Sloping a building pad in Revit is essential for managing site drainage, accommodating specific foundation designs, or matching existing topography. You can achieve this by modifying the building pad's sketch in a floor plan view and using the Slope Arrow tool to define the direction and magnitude of the desired incline.
How to Slope a Building Pad in Revit
Sloping a building pad in Revit involves accessing its edit mode and employing the "Slope Arrow" tool. This method allows for precise control over the pad's inclination, ensuring proper site preparation and drainage.
1. Accessing the Building Pad for Editing
To begin, you need to open the building pad's edit mode:
- Select the Building Pad: In a 3D view or site plan, select the existing building pad you wish to modify.
- Edit Boundary: In the ribbon, click the "Edit Boundary" button. This will put you into the sketch mode, typically in a floor plan view, where you can modify the pad's shape and properties.
2. Utilizing the Slope Arrow Tool
Once in sketch mode, you'll find the tools to add a slope:
- Choose the Slope Arrow Option: In the Draw panel of the Modify | Building Pads > Edit Boundary tab, select the "Slope Arrow" tool.
- Define the Slope Direction:
- Click to place the tail (start point) of the slope arrow. This is typically the lower point or the beginning of the slope.
- Click again to place the head (end point) of the slope arrow. This defines the direction of the slope, from the tail towards the head. For instance, you might choose to draw the slope arrow from one edge of the building pad to another opposite edge to direct water flow across the pad.
3. Adjusting Slope Properties
After drawing the slope arrow, you'll need to define its properties in the Properties palette:
-
Specify Height Offset or Slope:
- Specify: Slope: This is often the most intuitive method. You define the desired slope value (e.g., 2% or 1:50) directly.
- Specify: Height Offset at Head/Tail: Alternatively, you can define the height difference between the tail and head of the arrow relative to the pad's base level.
- Height Offset at Tail: Set the elevation for the start of the slope.
- Height Offset at Head: Set the elevation for the end of the slope.
- Reference: You can choose whether the height offsets are relative to the "Level at Tail" or "Level at Head," or simply "From Level."
Here's a quick overview of the key properties:
Property Description Specify Determines how the slope is defined (Slope or Height Offset at Head/Tail). Height Offset at Tail The elevation of the tail end of the slope arrow relative to its associated level. Height Offset at Head The elevation of the head end of the slope arrow relative to its associated level. Slope The gradient of the slope (e.g., 1/50, 2%). Only active if "Specify: Slope" is chosen. Level at Tail/Head The reference level from which the height offset is measured. For example, to create a 2% slope for drainage, you would set 'Specify' to 'Slope' and enter '2%' or '1/50'.
- Finish Edit Mode: Once the slope arrow and its properties are set, click the "Finish Edit Mode" (green checkmark) button in the ribbon. Revit will then apply the slope to your building pad.
Practical Insights and Tips
- Drainage: A common use case for sloping building pads is to ensure surface water drains away from the building's foundation. A minimum of 1-2% slope is often recommended.
- Multiple Slopes: While a single slope arrow defines a uniform slope across the entire pad, you can achieve more complex grading by dividing the building pad into multiple sections or by using different methods for surface manipulation if the pad needs to be highly articulated.
- Visualizing the Slope: After applying the slope, switch to a 3D view or a section view to verify the grade and ensure it meets your design intent. You can use spot elevation annotations to check specific points.
- Coordination with Toposurface: Remember that the building pad cuts into the toposurface. Ensure the pad's slope integrates well with the surrounding site grades to prevent abrupt changes or undesirable ponding.
- Checking with Analytical Tools: For advanced analysis, consider using Revit's analytical tools or exporting to specialized civil engineering software to confirm drainage patterns and cut/fill volumes.
By following these steps, you can effectively slope building pads in Revit, creating functional and visually integrated site elements for your projects.
