Thread: Revit Formulas for "everyday" usage

Right, I was thinking in a complete opposite direction for this problem. Here's how you can handle this:

- Go to Manage > Project Parameters > Add and Add a Shared Parameter.
- Create a new SP, Integer, name it something like choose_foundation or something
- Add the SP to Structural Foundations, make it a TYPE parameter
- Add the SP to the project
- Go to the Schedule, add the SP to the Schedule and add values to the different Footing Types, depending on which height column they use (1 for Default Thickness, and 2 for Foundation Thickness). Because this is a type parameter, it will be filled in for all instances (and new instances).
- Create a Calculated Value with this formula: if(choose_foundation = 1, Default Thickness, Foundation Thickness). Now this column will show the thickness.
- Apply this to your template so you never have to do it again...

Originally Posted by mdradvies

Right, I was thinking in a complete opposite direction for this problem. Here's how you can handle this:

- Go to Manage > Project Parameters > Add and Add a Shared Parameter.
- Create a new SP, Integer, name it something like choose_foundation or something
- Add the SP to Structural Foundations, make it a TYPE parameter
- Add the SP to the project
- Go to the Schedule, add the SP to the Schedule and add values to the different Footing Types, depending on which height column they use (1 for Default Thickness, and 2 for Foundation Thickness). Because this is a type parameter, it will be filled in for all instances (and new instances).
- Create a Calculated Value with this formula: if(choose_foundation = 1, Default Thickness, Foundation Thickness). Now this column will show the thickness.
- Apply this to your template so you never have to do it again...

That's a acceptable workaround, thank you very much

No problem, I have this problem a lot when dealing with content from multiple sources. You would always get different parameters which you have to convert. A BIG reason to start creating everything for myself.
Funny thing though: the schedule "warns" you when you add families with yet another parameter for the footing thickness: those won't calculate so you know there's something wrong.

Originally Posted by dzatto

Speechless. At this rate, I'll never get a POTM nomination. lol

Well, Dan, you made it into the list of nominees for Best Posts of the Month of March 2011, with your post about "Best Practices for Modeling in Revit". Thanks for sharing!

See the complete list of nominees here.

To sort out the largest variable, how about -> =if(A>C, if(A>B, A, B), if(B>C, B, C)) ?
It kind of becomes a shambles with 4 or more variables though. Use a matrix to keep your head on straight:


A>D A>C A>B A
B>D B>C B
C>D C
D

=if(A>D, if(A>C, if(A>B, A, B), if(B>C, B, C)), if(B>D, if(B>C, B, C)), if(C>D, C, D))

EDIT=if(A > D, if(A > C, if(A > B, A, B), if(B > C, B, C)), if(B > D, if(B > C, B, C), if(C > D, C, D)))

On a side note, I was looking for a way to generate a random-ish value, and found a decent use for the abs function:

Y=sin(x)-0,20*abs(sin(2*x))*abs(sin(x))/sin(x)

Any (x) gives a Y between -1 and 1. Just have to make sure there is no interference between (x) and the period of the function. Usually works for larger and non-pi related values.

I came up with it to make trees and such, got carried away, and still haven't actually made anything with it

Ekkonap - That is BRILLIANT! Maybe the planet have a future after all

The Matrix approach is very slick - would have never thought of that. The random-ish abs formula is also pretty slick, but yah... not sure when and why to use it

Hey, and welcome to the Forum BTW!

I am a formula n00b... what is a the ABS formula and what does it do?

Converts negative values into positive values, and leaves positive values alone. Handy if you are trying to model a series of speedbumps from a sinus function, but not much else.

Just found a use for a "not(or(statment"

not(or(Boxes Horizontal = 1))
not(or(Boxes Horizontal = 0, or(Boxes Horizontal = 2, or(Boxes Horizontal = 3, or(Boxes Horizontal = 4)))))

helping me make my detail boundry boxes more parametric.

"not(and( statment" also work.

NICE!!!!