Chapter 6

Piping Systems

INTRODUCTION
The piping tools in Revit MEP (RMEP) are similar to ductwork tools explored in the previous
chapter in many ways. As such, even if designing ductwork is not your area of expertise, you
may want to review the topics in the previous chapter anyhow and apply those skills to
piping. For example, the concept of Disconnect Warnings is covered under the topic
“Modifying Ductwork Systems” and “Connect Into” in the previous chapter. The annotation
features covered under the topics of “Annotating Ductwork” and “Color Fill Legend” applies
equally to piping. The “System Browser”, “Change Type” and “Insulation and Lining”,
topics also apply. Several other topics are also applicable such as “Check Duct System”,
“Duct System Calculations”, “Rendering Duct Systems”, and “Inherit Elevation and Size”.
This gives us quite a bit of overlap between ductwork and piping. In fact, many topics also
apply to Cable Tray and Conduit. The focus of this chapter will therefore be slightly different
than the last. In this chapter we will review the tools that can help you to generate your
layouts. We will specifically showcase the layout tools with piping examples, but the
approaches covered in this chapter can also be directly applied to Cable Tray, Conduit, and
Ductwork. In this chapter we will cover the basics of setup, systems as well as creating
layouts.
RMEP provides placeholder elements as the basis of initial layout. This allows the layout to
be easily created during initial concept design and converted to 3D elements once the
design has been approved. There a few different approaches to MEP systems layout. Layout
can be accomplished completely automatically through the Generate Layout tool that
creates an initial system layout, semi-automatically through the Connect Into tool, or
manually by determining your layout “on the fly” and drawing each segment. Each method
can provide similar results. Each method was also explored in the previous chapter with
ductwork layout, so if you completed that chapter, you will notice some similarities herein.
The intent of this chapter is to demonstrate each method using the same equipment
arrangement. We will utilize the Pipe placeholder elements during initial creation of each
layout. Once the layout is created, the layout will be modified using the placeholder grip
functionality then utilize the change type to convert placeholder elements to 3D piping. The
lessons learned in this chapter can be directly applied to Ductwork as well. RMEP also
provides powerful editing and parametric functionality to assist with the finalization of a
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systems layout. These editing tools will be discussed in an effort to show you how you can
utilize the power of Revit editing to accomplish your desired layout.

OBJECTIVES
In this chapter we will explore the layout of piping using the different methods of creating
pipe runs, (Generate Layout, Connect Into, and manual routing) and associated editing tools
and creation of pipe systems, review pipe settings and creating a new pipe type. We will
discuss:

• Create a new Pipe system.

• Create a new Pipe Type.
• Utilizing Placeholder layout tools to create initial layouts
• Use the grip tools on Placeholder pipes to modify the layout
• Converting Placeholder elements to 3D Piping.
• Utilizing Generate Placeholder to create and edit the initial layout.
• Leveraging edit tools to modify and update layouts to meet your design needs.

PLUMBING & PIPE SETTINGS

Plumbing and piping settings are located in the same dialog as Mechanical Settings. To access
the “Mechanical Settings,” dialog click the dialog launcher icon in the lower right-hand corner
of the Plumbing & Piping panel on the Home Tab, or type MS to access via the keyboard
shortcuts. The “Mechanical Settings” dialog was covered extensively at the start of Chapter 5.
Figure 5.1 in Chapter 5 shows how to access the dialog. The Hidden Line settings are common
to all disciplines. Duct Settings were discussed in Chapter 5. Pipe Settings are similar.

Use annot. Scale for Single Line Fittings—whether the Pipe fittings will utilize the
Annotation Scale in Single Line mode as well as the Annotation Size (plotted) based on the
plot scale.

Pipe Size Suffix—this suffix will be automatically added when a Pipe Size is used, such as in
tags or on the Properties Palette (see Figure 6.2).

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FIGURE 6.1
Mechanical Settings dialog – Pipe Settings

Pipe Connector Separator —this is used in Tags and Schedules with the Pipe Connector Size
parameter. This symbol will be added between each connector size, for example a 6" Tee
would report a 6" – 6" – 6" Tee if the Pipe Connector parameter is specified.

Pipe Connector Tolerance—is a global tolerance to allow each pipe fitting connector to
“deflect” up to the specified value, in this case 5 degrees to allow connections to be made
during layout and remain connected during modifications. The connector tolerance is
primarily used with gravity piping layouts.

Pipe Rise / Drop Annotation Size—is similar to the Single Line Fitting annotation size which
controls the display of a Rise / Drop symbol when in a 1 line display. The scale of the Rise /
Drop symbol, regardless of pipe size will appear as the size indicated relative to the plot scale.

BOILER ROOM PIPING—SEMI-AUTOMATIC APPROACH

This exercise will focus on the Generate Layout tool to create the pipe layout. The Boiler
Room Exercise project contains two copies of the Boiler room and the associated equipment.
We will be using the left most arrangement for this exercise.

OPEN A PROJECT FILE

The lessons that follow require the dataset files available for download as a companion to this
book. If you have already downloaded and installed the files skip to step 3 to begin. If you
need to install the files, start at step 1.

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3. If you have not already done so, install the book’s dataset files.

Refer to “Book Dataset Files” in the Preface for information on installing the sample files
included with this book.

4. Launch Revit MEP from the icon on your desktop or from the Autodesk > Revit MEP 2012
group in All Programs on the Windows Start menu.

TIP: You can click the Windows Start button, and then begin typing Revit in the “Search”
field. After a couple letters, Revit MEP should appear near the top of the list. Click it to
launch to program.

5. On the QAT, click the Open icon.

TIP: The keyboard shortcut for Open is CTRL + O. Open is also located on the Application menu
(big “R”).

 In the “Open” dialog box, browse to the location where you installed the dataset files.

 Double-click on the MasterRME 2012 folder and then the Chapter06 folder.

6. Double-click the 06 Boiler Room.rvt file.

You can also select it and then click the Open button.

7. Zoom in Region (ZR) on the left room/equipment layout.

8. Select the two pumps and two boilers using a crossing or window (see Figure 6.2).

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FIGURE 6.2
Selecting Equipment

 On the Modify | Mechanical Equipment tab, on the Create Systems panel, click the
Piping button (see the left side of Figure 6.3).

FIGURE 6.3
Creating a system

9. In the “Create Piping System” dialog, select the drop list for the System type and select
Hydronic Return. This will automatically create a system named Hydronic Return 1 (see the
right side of Figure 6.3).

 Check the box Open in System Editor and click OK.

 The Select Connector dialog will appear, select “Connector 1: Undefined: Round 4”:
Water/Other Liquid In” and click OK.

 In the second “Select Connector” dialog, select Connector 1 again.

 On the ribbon, select the finish button

What we have told Revit is that we have logically associated the inlet side of the pump to the
return side of the boilers. The result will be a set of dashed lines that appear around the
equipment indicating that they are part of the Hydronic Return system (see Figure 6.4).

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FIGURE 6.4
Revit MEP displays the logical system

10. On the ribbon, click the Generate Placeholder Layout button.

Tip: If the equipment is not selected, you can hover over any one item and press the TAB key to
reselect the system.

The Generate Placeholder tool automatically generates proposed paths to provide solutions
based on the connector’s size, location, and the associated Generate Layout settings. The
available solutions are accessible on the Options Bar (see Figure 6.5).

FIGURE 6.5
Generate Layout commands on ribbon

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When you select Generate Placeholder an initial solution will appear and the solution types
and other options will be available on the Options Bar. You can scroll through the initial
options by using the arrows in the Options Bar. Access the settings by clicking the Settings
button.

 Click the right arrow on the Options Bar to review the different solutions.

 With the Solution Type set to Network, stop at solution 5.

11. On the Generate Layout tab, on the Modify Layout panel, click the Edit Layout button (see
Figure 6.6).

This will allow you to modify the Layout of solution 5.

FIGURE 6.6
Choose a layout and then use the Edit Layout tool to modify it

12. Select the right line drawn on top of the two boilers (see the left side of Figure 6.7).

A move handle will appear (see the middle of Figure 6.7).

 Click and hold the move handle on the blue line above the upper boiler and drag to the
left (see the right side of Figure 6.7).

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FIGURE 6.7
Editing the layout to locate the Suction header

 Repeat the move on the green line above the lower boiler to align with the previous
move (see the right side of Figure 6.7).

The pipe path has been updated for all connections. The colors of the paths provide important
information that you need to be aware of before completing the layout. The blue color
indicates a pipe main, green indicates a branch, and yellow indicates a potential failure of
connection due to lack of space to apply the fittings. The upper pump connection to the main
has a small yellow line which indicates a possible failure. By utilizing the Generate Placeholder
layout control we can complete the edit of the layout and address the issue using the
placeholder grip functionality to adjust the layout to better setup the solution for sizing.

13. On the Generate Layout tab, on Generate Layout panel, click the Finish Layout button.

A warning will appear indicating the potential problem if you decide to convert the layout to a
traditional pipe type at this point “The placeholder curve is not long enough to support the
required fittings for placeholder convert”. We can ignore this warning for now.

14. Select the placeholder pipes connected to the upper pipe (see Figure 6.8)

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FIGURE 6.8
Edit the layout to move the upper pipe location

15. Drag the pipe away from the pump (see Figure 6.8)

Before converting the placeholder pipes to 2 line pipes with fittings, we will continue to edit
the layout to provide enough room for the fittings once the pipe is resized and converted.

16. On the View tab, on the Create panel, click the Section tool.

TIP: You can also find the Section tool on the QAT.

 Pick above and to the left of the upper pump.

 Pick below the bottom pump to create a vertical section.

 Use the depth control on the section box to extend beyond the header if needed.

17. Right-click and choose Go to View (see Figure 6.9).

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FIGURE 6.9
Create a section

18. On the View tab, on the Windows panel, click the Tile button.

This will tile the plan and section view windows side by side (see Figure 6.10).

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FIGURE 6.10
Tile views to see plan and section together onscreen

Adjust the zoom in both windows.

19. In the section, zoom in on the right (lower in plan) pump and select the vertical pipe.

 Click and drag the pipe to the left approx. 6" (see Figure 6.11).

NOTE: If you drag the pipe too far you will receive an error that the pipe is now drawn in the
wrong direction.

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FIGURE 6.11
Select the pipe and drag it away from the pump

20. In the plan view, move the section line to the right (past the header) to look at the boilers.

FIGURE 6.12
Update the section location to change the section view

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When you move the section, you will see that we have a similar situation with the vertical pipes
at the boilers.

21. Repeat the process of moving the vertical pipes connected to the boilers away from the
boilers (see Figure 6.13).

FIGURE 6.13
Select the vertical pipes and drag them away from the boilers

22. In the plan view, hover your mouse over a pipe in the layout to pre-highlight it.

 Press the TAB key.

Revit will highlight a series of connected Placeholder pipes.

 Press TAB again and repeat until all pipes in the system highlight.

 When they are all highlighted, click to select all of the pipes (see Figure 6.14).

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FIGURE 6.14
TAB to select the branch in a pipe network up to a piece of equipment

23. On the Options Bar, from the Diameter drop-down list, choose: 4" (see Figure 6.15).

FIGURE 6.15
Resizing pipes using the Options Bar

The placeholder pipes are now in the correct location and sized appropriately, we can now run
the Convert Placeholder command to finish the layout.

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24. Use TAB to select the pipes again.

 On the Modify | Pipe Placeholders tab, on the Edit panel, click the Convert Placeholder
button.

Provided that there is enough room for the fittings, the placeholder pipes will be converted to
pipes and fittings as defined by the pipe type.

FIGURE 6.16
Convert the placeholder pipes to actual pipes and fittings

This sequence began with the Generate Placeholder tool to help us create an initial path. We
then edited the layout to refine the paths and completed the layout to place the Placeholder
pipes. We then further refined the layout to accommodate resizing the pipe to a larger
diameter and then converted the Placeholder pipes to pipes and fittings based on the defined
pipe type. This approach showcases what we will term a “semi-automatic layout” using both
the automatic creation tools and then leveraging Revit’s ability to adjust existing elements
rather than erasing and recreating them.

BOILER ROOM PIPING—MANUAL APPROACH

This exercise focuses on using the Pipe command and editing tools to create the pipe layout.
The Boiler Room exercise file contains three copies of the boiler room and its associated
equipment. We will be using the right arrangement for this exercise.

25. Close any section views you have open and maximize the plan view.

 In the plan view, zoom to fit.

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 Zoom in region on the equipment room and layout on the right (see Figure 6.17).

FIGURE 6.17
Exercise two equipment layout

The equipment arrangement for this exercise is a three-pump, three-boiler arrangement. The
goal is to create a two-operating, one-standby system.

26. Select the uppermost pump.

 Right-click on the upper connector handle and then choose Draw Pipe Placeholder (see
Figure 6.18).

FIGURE 6.18
Starting the pipe command from equipment

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When the Draw Placeholder Pipe command is begun from this control, it inherits the size and
elevation of the Family connector.

 Route the pipe 1'-0" away from the pump, and then click to create the segment.

 On the Options Bar, change the Offset to: 7'-0". (You can type it in or choose it from the
list).

 Pick a point horizontally to the right (see Figure 6.19).

FIGURE 6.19
Change the Offset of the pipe on the Options Bar and draw additional segments

27. On the Options Bar, from the Diameter list, choose: 6".

 Pick a point towards the bottom pump (see Figure 6.20).

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FIGURE 6.20
Change the Diameter and continue adding pipe

 On the ribbon, click the Modify tool (or press ESC twice) to end the command.

28. Select the lower pump, right-click on the upper connector, and then choose: Draw Pipe
Placeholder.

 Route the pipe 1'-0" away from the pump.

 On the Options Bar, change the Offset to: 7'-0".

 Pick a point horizontally to the right towards the 6" pipe, but do not connect it.

 On the ribbon, click the Modify tool (or press ESC twice) to end the command.

29. On the Modify tab, on the Modify panel, click the Trim/Extend to Corner button (see Figure
6.21).

30. Click the 2 placeholder pipes individually (see Figure 6.21).

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 Click the pipe coming from the pump first.

 Click the vertical 6" pipe next.

FIGURE 6.21
Use the Trim/Extend to Corner command to clean up the layout

With the Trim/Extend to Corner command, you select one linear element such as the pipe we
have onscreen and join it to another in a corner configuration. This command can either trim
or extend the elements it is joining depending on the existing configuration. Be sure to pay
attention to the onscreen cues and click the side of the line or pipe that you wish to keep; not
the side you want to trim away.

 Click the Modify tool (or press ESC twice) to complete the command.

31. Select the Middle pump, right-click the top connector control, and then choose: Draw
Placeholder Pipe.

 Draw a pipe 1'-0" away like the others.

 Change the Offset to: 7'-0" again and then pick a point on the vertical pipe
perpendicular to the horizontal pipe (see Figure 6.22).

The new pipe will connect to the other.

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FIGURE 6.22
Pump Suction layout complete

The suction header is complete using Placeholder piping. Next we will use the same methods
to create a suction header.

32. Select the upper pump, right-click on the 3" suction (lower) connector, and choose: Draw
Pipe Placeholder.

 On the Options Bar change the size to: 4".

 Pick a point 1'-0" straight down.

 On the Options Bar, change the Offset to: 8'-0".

 Pick a point horizontally to the right of the suction header.

 Draw another pipe straight down towards the bottom pump.

 Click the Modify tool on the ribbon to complete the command.

33. Select the bottom pump, right-click on the 3" connector.

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 Change the size to: 4" and then pick a point 1'-0" straight down.

 Change diameter to 6" and then change the offset to: 8'-0".

 Pick a point horizontally towards the vertical pipe, but do not connect.

 Click the Modify tool to complete the command.

34. On the Modify tab, on the Modify panel, click the Trim/Extend to Corner tool.

 Pick the pipe from the bottom pump first.

 Pick the vertical pipe second (see Figure 6.23).

FIGURE 6.23
Create the top and bottom pump discharge piping

35. Select the Middle pump, right-click, choose: Draw Pipe Placeholder, change the diameter to
4”, and then draw a pipe 1'-0" straight down.

 Change the Offset to: 8'-0" and then pick a point on the vertical pipe perpendicular to
the horizontal pipe.

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The new pipe will connect to the other.

36. Select the Pipe Placeholder command on the Home Tab Plumbing and Piping panel.

Snap to the end of the lower corner of the suction piping.

 Click the bottom + control to convert the elbow to a tee (see Figure 6.24).

FIGURE 6.24
Connecting to the layout

 Draw a pipe straight down, and then to the bottom right-hand corner of the room.

37. On the Options Bar, change the Offset to: 30'-0" and then click the Apply button.

The pipe is now drawn vertically. In a multi-level project, you would be able to go to the upper
levels and connect to the pipe to continue the Boiler piping run.

 Click the Modify tool or press ESC to compete the Pipe Placeholder command.

38. Use the TAB key method to select the first run of pipe, (you may need to press TAB multiple
times as necessary to select the piping connected to all three pumps).

 On the ribbon, click the Convert Placeholder button to complete the layout (see Figure
6.25).

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FIGURE 6.25
Connecting to the layout

The Piping for the pumps still needs to be connected to the boilers. You can use the skills that
you just learned to continue this layout and connect to the boilers. A completed version of the
project is provided with the dataset files for this chapter in the Chapter06 folder.

GRAVITY PIPING LAYOUT

This exercise also utilizes the Placeholder Piping elements to create a sloped pipe layout. We
will focus on editing the layouts and utilizing the slope tools to apply a slope to the layout.

39. From the Chapter 6 folder open the file named 06 Sloped Piping Layout.rvt.

The Sloped Piping Layout project file contains a flat placeholder pipe layout for floor drains.
This exercise builds on the skills learned above regarding generating placeholder layouts.
Similar steps were performed here to create the floor drain layout included in the file. In this

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sequence, we will explore the steps necessary to apply a slope to the pipe runs and convert the
placeholder pipes to real piping.

40. Select the Placeholder Piping layout using the TAB select method (see Figure 6.26).

FIGURE 6.26
Select the drainage system Pipe Placeholder layout

The placeholder pipes have a grip functionality to allow for quick edits to refine the layout
without the issues traditionally associated with layouts that contain existing fittings. The grips
can be used to manipulate the layout.

 Click the Modify tool (or press ESC) to cancel the selection.

Use the TAB key to select the entire pipe run.

41. Hover over any pipe to highlight it and then press the TAB key. Press again as necessary until
all pipes are highlighted and then click the left mouse button to select.

 On the Modify | Multi-select tab, click the Filter button.

 Uncheck Plumbing Fixtures (Leave Pipe Placeholders checked) and then click OK.

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Once the Plumbing Fixtures are deselected, the Slope Tool appears on the ribbon.

42. On the Modify | Multi-select tab, click the Slope Tool.

 On the Slope Editor tab, change the slope to 1/8" / 12" (see Figure 6.27).

FIGURE 6.27
Choose the desired Slope Value

 On the Slope Editor tab, click the Finish button.

The placeholder pipes will have the slope applied. A warning will appear that the pipe exiting
the building has an open connection. This is expected (see Figure 6.29).

FIGURE 6.28
A benign warning appears when sloping the placeholder piping; it can be ignored

43. To verify the slope has been applied, open the section along the left side wall.

You can right-click on the Section mark and choose Go to View or simply double-click it.

The pipes appear pitched following the new slope settings (see Figure 6.29).

FIGURE 6.29
Opening the Section View reveals the new pitch applied to the Pipes

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44. Close the Section to return to the plan view.

45. Use the TAB key to select the entire pipe layout again

 On the ribbon, click the Filter button.

 Deselect the Plumbing Fixtures and then click OK.

46. On the Modify | Multi-select tab, click the convert Placeholder button.

The entire pipe run is now converted to the associated pipes and fittings assigned to the type
(see Figure 6.30).

FIGURE 6.30
Converted Placeholder to 2 line pipe result

This exercise explored how to leverage placeholder pipes for a sloped piping layout and utilize
the slope tool to apply the slope value. Please keep in mind you do need to provide enough
distance for fittings in any layout. The placeholder elements will provide warnings when
conditions exist that may not allow for fittings to be placed.

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SUMMARY
The goal of this chapter was to help you understand the different methods of layout
available in Revit MEP. We showcased piping here, but the techniques apply equally
to piping, duct, conduit and cable tray. The Generate Layout command is a useful
tool to create an initial layout that can then be edited to meet your needs. The
manual layout tools and editing commands allow you to fine-tune your layouts as the
design progresses.
 Create systems by selecting the equipment and then you can use the Generate
Placeholder Layout tool to have Revit MEP suggest a number of automatic
solutions.
 Before confirming the layout, you can edit the “stick figure” layout to better
meet the requirements of your design.
 Use alternate views such as sections to make adjustments to the layout easier.
 Use the TAB key during selection to toggle to alternate selections such as
branches and other connected series of elements.
 Selecting multiple pipes and fittings allows you to quickly change the size of the
whole system.
 An alternative to the automatic generation method is to manually lay out pipes
and fittings.
 You can use the Trim/Extend and Move commands to adjust the layouts.
 Use the Options Bar to make adjustments to pipe sizes and Offsets.
 Utilize Placeholder elements to create sloped piping layouts by applying the
slope to a placeholder layout.
 You can easily convert Placeholder elements to 2 line pipe and fittings.

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