BIM360 & Revit nested file linking – Vinzero

Issue

When using BIM 360's Revit Cloud Worksharing, nested links are expectedly visible in Revit.

Example file linking hierarchy.

Central model (Host)
- Link A (linked in Host)
  - Link B (linked in Link A)
  - Link C (linked in Link A)

However, those same nested links (e.g. Link B & Link C) within published host models (e.g. Central model) are not visible in the BIM 360 web interface. This can lead to undesired effects of missing linked elements in documents when viewing and in other downstream BIM 360 workflows such as Model Coordination.

Visual Example

Starting Architectural File

Host - Exterior office walls.
Link - Internal offices.

Following Structural File

Host - Internal columns.
Link - Architecture file, noting the nested architecture internal office link doesn't show.

Cause

The BIM 360 Model Viewer currently does not support nested links within published host models, regardless of the link reference type; Overlay or Attachment.

Solution

While not ideal, the current workaround for 'as expected' element visibility in the BIM 360 web interface is to adopt a 'flat' linking methodology. i.e no file nesting. This solution applies irrespective of whether the Design Collaboration workflow of sharing and consuming packages is used.

Central model (Host)
- Link A (Linked directly in Host)
- Link B (Linked directly in Host)
- Link C (Linked directly in Host)

Note, using a nested linking method offers some time-saving advantages (such as link instance positioning and bulk element visibility/overrides) that flat linking does not. When using flat linking, those bulk time-saving advantages will need to be applied individually to each link.

Whether you apply this solution is dependent on your end requirements. If you require fidelity in the BIM 360 web documents that contain links for reviewing and coordination purposes, then the solution would apply. If you are only requiring BIM 360 for Revit Cloud Worksharing, then nested links can be used.

Visual Example

Structural File (Note, the architectural doors and furniture have been hidden)