How Revit+EDGE Enables Design-Assist for Precast
- jbeck
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
At the recent PCI Central Spring Meeting, a long-time EDGE customer shared a compelling visual illustrating how they use Design-Assist methods in precast construction projects. This approach is gaining traction because it accelerates project timelines, allows producers or engineering firms to establish cost baselines early, and ultimately helps either reduce costs for clients or boost profitability.
A key factor in making Design-Assist successful is the use of tools that simplify modeling and streamline the creation of shop drawings. Revit, combined with EDGE, provides exactly that—an integrated environment that enables faster, more accurate design workflows.
The Tools Behind Effective Design-Assist in Precast Projects
At the core of any successful service is the right set of tools and technology—and precast construction is no exception.
To meaningfully shorten the engineering timeline—often by several weeks—three key components need to be in place:
1. Model Collaboration
For a seamless start, the architectural design model must be shared with the precast producer or their engineering partner. This early collaboration is most effective when done through Autodesk Revit, the standard platform used by most design firms. By working within the same digital environment, all parties can align more quickly and avoid costly misunderstandings later in the process.
2. Precast Modeling Content
Recreating standard components from scratch is not only inefficient—it’s unnecessary. The EDGE add-on for Revit eliminates this friction by providing access to over 3,000 customizable precast families via the EDGE browser. These include nearly a decade’s worth of developed content: insulated wall panels, beams, columns, t-girders, hollowcore planks, and connection details from a variety of manufacturers. It’s a robust content library built specifically for precast professionals.
3. Automation Tools
Manual drafting is tedious, time-consuming, and prone to error. The EDGE add-on enhances Revit with more than 100 automation tools designed to simplify modeling tasks and streamline the creation of shop drawings. These tools help eliminate repetitive work, reduce manual input, and free up drafters to focus on more complex challenges.
Change is inevitable in any precast project, whether it's driven by the client, code requirements, or other external factors. That's why flexibility and adaptability are crucial. Drafters need to quickly return to the model, apply updates, and ensure that all downstream documentation reflects those changes without delay or error.
The tools offered through Revit and EDGE have consistently proven themselves capable of meeting these demands, supporting a wide range of project needs with efficiency and precision.
Watch these videos to learn more about the Revit+EDGE platform for precast detailing:
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