Introduction
Nemetschek subsidiaries are part of buildingSMART and actively promoting IFC as the preferable format for data exchange of 3D building data.
With the new Open BIM collaboration we commit ourselves to improve the level our IFC support. Below is a showcase of Open BIM.
The Revit Structure Model
The model is part of structural design for an office buidling, here we can see only the first floor of the building.
The structure is a concrete structure and is sent to Scia Engineer via IFC2x3 for structural analysis purposes and the design of reinforcement.
Solibri Model Checker
We export the model to an IFC2x3 file and check it in Solibri. Quality Assurance is one of the powerful aspects for using Solibri.
We are however interested in verifying whether the exported geometry by Revit Structure is really the same as the original model.
Solibri's free viewer is very useful for that.
Importing the structural model in Scia Engineer
The IFC 2X3 model is imported in Scia Engineer. It is possible to specify the mapping tables for materials to ensure a better result during the import.
All objects are imported as solids. Importing as solids allows the engineer to choose what structural objects will be analysed.
It is common to select certain critical parts in the structure for analysis. The project demonstrates how to prepare a complete structure.
After the objects are imported, they are converted to analytical 1D and 2D members with the Member Recognizer.
Next step is to connect analytical members with the alignment tool.
Both the member recognizer and alignment tool are part of the BIM toolbox, a set of tools to manage BIM tools for analysis.
Only thing left to do is add typical structural analysis data like loads, combinations, even non-linear member data and run the analsysis.
Internal forces and design code checks are then used to adapt the concept or carry out changes in the geometry.
Model Comparison
The engineer generally makes a design according the analysis. To communicate the design proposed, the project is exported to IFC2x3.
It is now possible to compare the original structural model with the new design proposed by the Engineer.
Solibri Model Checker allows you to easily compare two models and communicate changes.
Structural Detailing
When the designer and engineer agrees on the dimensions, the engineer can start detailing.
In this case Scia Engineer is used to design and verify the reinforcement.
Based on the structural model the analysis is performed and the reinforcement is designed according to the result.
Below you can see a detail of the reinforcement design in Scia Engineer.
Clash Detection
The reinforcement is exported for clash detection in Solibri Model Checker.
In Solibri Model Checker it is easy to check the model for potential issues.
Here we check if the reinforcement does not cause any clashes with other building elements.
