Auto-Sizing Ductwork

In order to auto-size a duct network, the system needs to be closed on all ends except for one,
so the ductwork has the correct CFM values throughout the system. This can be verified by
selecting the duct and checking its CFM. To create a closed system the following must be done.

1) Enter all CFM values for all air terminals.

2) Ensure that all connections are attached appropriately.
3) Cap all open duct ends - Load in a duct cap family from the standard REVIT
library. This can be found here: US
Imperial>Duct>Fittings>Rectangular/Round>Caps>Rectangular Endcap - DTL

You cap open ends by selecting the appropriate duct and selecting the Cap Open Ends button
located in the Modify tab as shown above. You can verify that all steps have been fulfilled if all
the ducts show their appropriate CFM values.

The next thing that needs to be done is to adjust the default duct sizes. REVIT includes odd
numbered duct sizes, so we will need to delete them to get the sizing we want. These values
are editable in the Mechanical Settings window, found here: Manage>MEP Settings>Mechanical
Settings>Duct Settings>Rectangular. Delete all values that are not desired. Once a standard is
created these properties can be loaded with Transfer Project Standards.

Now that the systems are complete and the settings are tuned we can auto-size the ductwork.
Duct/Pipe Sizing can be found in the Modify tab after selecting a duct or network of ducts. (Tip:
You can use Tab to cycle through varying levels of the duct network) You are able to select
between multiple sizing methods or a combination of them. Friction will be used most of the
time. Velocity could also be used to size exhaust systems. In addition to the sizing method we
are able to change the constraints. This will limit the height of the ducts and could be useful for
flattening ductwork. Generally the ductwork will be sized square unless a constraint is applied.
In the example above, I have undersized ductwork. In this particular case, we will need to size
the main branch separately from the taps. In general the taps will be sized at a different friction
so the whole network cannot be done in one command. For this example, I have set the friction

to .08 with a height restriction of 12 inches.

As you can see, the main branch is sized accordingly. I then completed the ductwork sizing by
sizing the taps as well.

Comments:
The auto-sizing seems to be consistent with the Ductulator. The only differentiation Ive
encountered was for lower CFMs.
Auto-sizing will only be done per branch segment. Breaks in ductwork will need to be applied
manually in order to autosize it properly.