Improving BIM Interoperability: A Grasshopper Python workflow for structural modelling from Rhino to Revit

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F68407700%3A21450%2F25%3A00387196" target="_blank" >RIV/68407700:21450/25:00387196 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

<a href="https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2025.1.349" target="_blank" >https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2025.1.349</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2025.1.349" target="_blank" >10.52842/conf.ecaade.2025.1.349</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Improving BIM Interoperability: A Grasshopper Python workflow for structural modelling from Rhino to Revit

Original language description

Information exchange in Building Information Modelling (BIM) faces significant interoperability challenges due to the use of heterogeneous software tools, which often struggle to interpret objects across disciplines. These challenges stem from inconsistencies in geometry, properties, and relational representation. While Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) have been employed to address these issues, their effectiveness remains limited. This paper presents a Grasshopper script with custom Python nodes to automate the creation of Revit structural models, including columns, beams, floors, and foundations, from Rhino models. The script follows a three-step process: first, it analyses Boundary Representation (BREP) elements in Rhino to generate corresponding Revit levels; next, a custom Grasshopper node extracts BREP dimensions to create Revit structural families based on user-defined parameters, such as material type (e.g., concrete, steel) and physical properties; finally, using Python, the script positions the elements accurately within the Revit model at their designated levels through the Rhino.Inside.Revit (RIR) Grasshopper plugin. This method enhances data exchange by maintaining native Revit elements, enabling better data management and providing construction-specific information, such as element volumes for quantification. Despite its limitations, including the inability to generate curved beam elements, the proposed approach demonstrates significant potential for improving structural modelling workflows in Revit. Future research will focus on expanding the script to support additional structural elements, further enhancing BIM interoperability and automation.

Czech name

—

Czech description

—

Type

D - Article in proceedings

CEP classification

—

OECD FORD branch

20103 - Architecture engineering

Project

—

Continuities

I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace

Publication year

2025

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Article name in the collection

Proceedings of the 43rd International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe Volume 1

ISBN

9789491207396

ISSN

2684-1843

e-ISSN

—

Number of pages

8

Pages from-to

349-356

Publisher name

Education and research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe

Place of publication

Brussels

Event location

Ankara

Event date

Sep 1, 2025

Type of event by nationality

WRD - Celosvětová akce

UT code for WoS article

—