How to Create a Slab Edge Plan in Revit

Creating a slab edge plan in Revit involves accurately placing slab edge elements and then configuring a plan view to effectively display and annotate these details. This process ensures that all necessary information for construction and coordination is clearly communicated.

1. Placing Slab Edges in Your Revit Model

The foundational step is to model the slab edges themselves. Revit allows you to place these elements on existing floor geometry.

1. Access the Slab Edge Tool:

   • Navigate to the Architecture tab in the Revit ribbon.
   • Locate the Build panel.
   • Click on the Floor drop-down menu.
   • Select Floor: Slab Edge.

2. Placing the Edges:

   • Once the tool is active, you can place slab edges in various views, including 2D views (like a floor plan or section) or 3D views.
   • Highlight the horizontal edges of your existing floors or slabs.
   • Click on these highlighted edges to place a slab edge.
   • Tip: Always monitor the status bar at the bottom left of your Revit window; it provides valuable feedback, indicating valid references for placement.

3. Choosing Slab Edge Types:

   • Before or during placement, you can select different slab edge types from the Type Selector in the Properties Palette.
   • These types define the profile (shape) and materials of the slab edge. You can duplicate and modify existing types or load new profiles from the Revit library to suit specific design requirements.

2. Preparing a Dedicated Plan View for Slab Edges

After placing the slab edges, the next crucial step is to create and configure a specific plan view to highlight them.

1. Duplicate a Floor Plan:

   • In the Project Browser, find an existing Floor Plan that shows the relevant floor level.
   • Right-click on the plan and choose Duplicate View > Duplicate with Detailing. This preserves any existing annotations or dimensions, which you may want to refine later.
   • Rename the new view (e.g., "Level 1 - Slab Edge Plan") for clarity.

2. Adjust View Range:

   • Open the newly duplicated plan view.
   • In the Properties Palette, locate the View Range parameter and click Edit.
   • Adjust the Cut Plane and View Depth to ensure that all slab edges, especially those that might be slightly below or above the main floor plane, are visible in your plan. For instance, you might lower the Cut Plane or extend the View Depth.

3. Visibility/Graphics Overrides (VG):

   • Type VV or VG on your keyboard, or go to the View tab > Graphics panel > Visibility/Graphics.
   • Highlight Slab Edges: Navigate to the Floors category. Expand it to find "Slab Edges." You can override their line weight, color, and pattern to make them stand out distinctly on the plan. For instance, setting a thicker red line can clearly differentiate them.
   • Simplify the View: Turn off or halftone other categories that are not essential for a slab edge plan (e.g., furniture, plumbing fixtures, non-structural walls) to reduce clutter and improve readability.

3. Annotating and Detailing Your Slab Edge Plan

A comprehensive slab edge plan requires clear annotations to convey design intent and construction requirements.

• Dimensions:
  • Add linear dimensions to locate slab edges relative to grid lines, structural elements, or other key references.
  • Dimension the length and width of specific slab edge segments where critical.
• Tags:
  • Use Floor Tags to identify different slab edge types. Ensure your tag family displays relevant information like the profile name or a custom parameter.
• Text Notes:
  • Add general notes explaining design principles, connection details, or specific material requirements for the slab edges.
• Detail Lines and Components:
  • For specific areas requiring higher fidelity, use Detail Lines (from the Annotate tab) to draw particular conditions that aren't fully modeled.
  • Insert Detail Components for standard details, such as anchors or rebar typical for slab edge connections.

4. Best Practices for Effective Slab Edge Plans

To create professional and easy-to-understand slab edge plans, consider these best practices:

• Utilize View Templates: Create a specific View Template for your slab edge plans. This allows you to apply consistent Visibility/Graphics settings, view ranges, and annotation scales across multiple floor levels or projects, ensuring uniformity and saving time.
• Clear Labeling: Use clear, concise labels for all elements and details on the plan.
• Phasing: If your project involves different construction phases, ensure your slab edges are assigned to the correct phase to appear on the appropriate phase-specific plans.
• Consistency: Maintain a consistent graphic standard for all your plan views.
• Hyperlinks for Further Learning: For more in-depth information on Revit functionalities or troubleshooting, consult official documentation like the Autodesk Knowledge Network.

By following these steps, you can effectively create a detailed and informative slab edge plan in Revit, crucial for accurate documentation and successful project execution.

Slab Edge Plan Information Table

Information Category	Details Typically Included on Plan	Purpose
Slab Edge Type	Tag indicating profile name (e.g., "SE-100x200"), material	Identifies the specific edge profile and its properties.
Location	Dimensions to grid lines, adjacent walls, or other structural elements	Precisely positions the slab edge within the building layout.
Length/Extent	Linear dimensions along continuous edges	Defines the physical length of each slab edge segment.
Elevation	Spot elevations (where critical)	Indicates the finished top or bottom elevation of the slab edge.
Connection Details	References to typical sections or specific notes for reinforcement/attachment	Provides instructions for how the slab edge connects to other components.
Notes	General notes, specific construction instructions, material callouts	Offers supplementary information or clarifications.