Extract CADmep database from Revit

[WilliamNY]

Hey, I realize that this is kind of a sweeping question, but I'm wondering if anyone knows if there's a way to extract a complete, usable Fabrication CADmep database from a Revit project file.

I'm aware of how to get geometry out in a .maj format, but that does me little good when I have NO access to the original database at all.

So, to reiterate, is there a way to either extract, or exactly recreate, an entire Fabrication database if all I have is the Revit project?

Thanks all.

EDIT:
To clarify, I'm being asked to modify an existing project by adding parts to the embedded Fabrication database. The only way I can think of to make this work seamlessly would be to extract the database, edit it, then update it (like normal). The hitch here is that I don't have the original database to work with.

[cadbyken]

Not possible to extract it from Revit (and I hope it isn't possible). There may be a way with some of the geniuses out there but it wouldn't be easy for most of us.

For your situation, you can just reload it if the name and GUID are the same. There are ways to get the GUID number via Dynamo if that is the stumbling block.

[WilliamNY]

Thanks, that's what I was afraid of.

But I'm not sure what you mean by "reload" - I don't have the original database, so how would I be able to add anything?

Unless you mean, create a totally new database, named the same as the old one, with the same GUID, and then add new parts to that? Could I then load that into the project and Revit would see the new stuff and add it?

[cnash]

As far as I know and as Ken states as far as I hope, you can't.
Best way would be to export an MAJ, load it into your database in CADmep and then load that MAJ into a new RVT.

[WilliamNY]

Many thanks for your advice here, I appreciate it. But I have to ask for your forgiveness, I know I'm asking repetitive questions here.

For your situation, you can just reload it if the name and GUID are the same. There are ways to get the GUID number via Dynamo if that is the stumbling block.

The vital part to this puzzle is that I do not have access to the original project database.

I created a new database with the same name/profile/GUID as the project database - essentially a database with a single new service, with these new additional parts.

I went back into Revit and hit Reload. While the materials out in the model stayed where they were, all the parts - other than the new ones I just added - disappeared. I have a bunch of blank palettes, other than the new ones.

Is there a way to get the old parts to stay, in addition to adding the new ones?

Best way would be to export an MAJ, load it into your database in CADmep and then load that MAJ into a new RVT.

Without the original project database, what does exporting the MAJ do for me, as far as getting a new part into an existing database?

Many thanks, all!

[cnash]

Without the original project database, what does exporting the MAJ do for me, as far as getting a new part into an existing database?

Many thanks, all!

You'll bring in whatever is in that file over to CADmep and the items will stay. You can then change the services to all your services so you can add your own parts to whatever is already there.
You also COULD swap all the existing to your own stuff, but unless you have to, I would avoid it.

[cadbyken]

For the issue of the parts disappearing, my guess is that it is a pathing issue. You could get the original folder names from one of Darren's scripts.

Obviously, without the original DB, you have a tough road ahead of you.