Luis P Trujillo - Design Journal Entry - Module 9 - Part 2

Journal Entry For
Module 9 - Share Your Design
Link to Student
Trujillo Mireles, Luis Pablo
Video- Google link

CISTERN-CTRL

image

A Parametric Underground Cistern Sizing Tool for Revit / Dynamo 2026

Brief Overview CISTERN-CTRL is a Dynamo/Revit 2026 parametric sizing tool for rectangular underground cisterns. The tool varies internal length, width, and depth to meet a target usable storage volume while minimizing concrete volume. It outputs usable storage volume, concrete volume, volume gap, concrete intensity, and pass/fail validation. The selected option is shown as simple Dynamo geometry. This is a sizing assistant, not a structural, civil, geotechnical, or hydrologic design tool.

Tool File 2units_LuisTrujillo_Module9.dyn No custom nodes or external packages are required.

How to Use

  1. Open the .dyn file in Dynamo for Revit 2026.
  2. Set the fixed inputs:
    • Target Storage Volume_ft3
    • Wall Thickness_ft
    • Slab Thickness_ft
    • Freeboard_ft
    • Top Rim Elevation_ft
  3. Run a Design Study using, any could be set to a constant limit or left completely variable:
    • Internal Length_ft
    • Internal Width_ft
    • Internal Depth_ft
  4. Minimize Concrete Volume_ft3.
  5. Use only options where:
    • Meets Target = 1
  6. Re-enter the selected dimensions into the sliders to view the cistern geometry.

Typical Output The graph displays a rectangular underground cistern made from simple cuboid geometry: base slab, top slab, four walls, access marker, and pipe markers. Teaser image:

image

Video Demo https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w2eLw1ffT6PfQ--UOJxHar4y20zbTmDV/view

Original Idea and Changes The original idea was to create a generative cistern sizing tool that optimizes usable storage volume against concrete demand. The final version kept the MVP focused on rectangular geometry, formula-based volume calculations, validation checks, and Design Study outputs. More advanced features such as Revit DirectShape export, pipe void cuts, reinforcement checks, buoyancy checks, and hydrologic modeling were left out to keep the tool reliable and runnable within the assignment scope.