A RANGE OF BIM SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE ENGINEERING WORKFLOWS
At SCIA we really understand that collaboration between all disciplines, including architects, modellers, structural engineers, draughtsmen and others is at the heart of delivering a safe, sustainable built environment, which in turn leaves a positive lasting legacy. We are constantly looking for ways to improve the engineering workflow and to make BIM a workable reality for all. We are innovating to reduce the time it takes to create analysis models, to ensure structural models and analysis models show the same reality at every step in the project and to make the management of changes between disciplines seamless. We realise this cannot all be done via a ‘one size fits all’ approach and so we have developed a number of different solutions for ANY type of company and engineering workflow, from a federated to an integrated model.
SCIA AUTOCONVERTER:
TRUE AUTOMATION:
FROM STRUCTURAL TO ANALYSIS MODEL
SCIA AutoConverter is a true game-changer bridging the gap between engineers and modellers. Effectively, It allows engineers to join the BIM process for the first time. SCIA AutoConverter automates conversion of a 3D structural model from any CAD software into an accurate analysis model, moreover, it gives the engineer full control over the process. The solution maximises data reuse and minimises manual handling across the entire process – eliminating the need for time-consuming, bothersome remodelling tasks, saving at least 30% time. With SCIA AutoConverter we’re giving you the gift of time.
INTEGRATED DESIGN SOLUTION
The Power of ONE: ONE TEAM – ONE MODEL – ONE BUILDING
The Integrated Design solution has been developed for pioneering companies who refuse the status-quo and look for a real and effective collaboration between architects and engineers. Teaming-up with our sister company GRAPHISOFT, we now provide a ground-breaking solution allowing our most demanding clients to go further in their collaboration workflow by breaking the silos as it has never been possible before.
Architects and Engineers are now able to work in an integrated way, on ONE single MODEL, keeping always in synch with each other’s work through a Multidisciplinary Teamwork Environment, and using a shared model and design hub to help on the design decisions. The collaborative platform allows every team member to have access to the latest information and, based on authorization parameters, to share comments and suggestions and modify the model. Every change is tracked so every team member can understand the genesis path of the project.
With the Integrated Design we allow you to build trust between architects and engineers.
OPENbim
OPEN BIM is a progressive, future-proof approach to AEC collaboration. It helps connect stakeholders such as software vendors, software users (architects, engineers and builders) as well as clients/owners to co-create great buildings. OPEN BIM ensures workflow transparency, longevity and accessibility of data for built assets.
SAF / Structural Analysis Format
SAF is a neutral, MS Excel-based, file format. It improves collaboration between structural engineers and allows them to easily exchange analysis models between different analysis software. It is practical, simple, and intended to be used in daily practice. Originally a Nemetschek Group initiative, the SAF open format has already been implemented or is in progress by many software providers like: SCIA, Graphisoft, Allplan, RISA, FRILO, Axis VM, Dlubal, Sofistik, IDEA StatiCa and more.
INTEROPERABILITY WITH RHINO3D AND GRASSHOPPER
An emerging workflow, particularly among high end designers, is utilizing Rhino and Grasshopper to create complex geometry. There is a number of ways that this data can easily be plugged into SCIA Engineer.
- Complex 3D geometries can be imported into SCIA Engineer where they can be easily converted into analytical members, loaded, analyzed and designed.
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Text based output from Rhino can be copied and pasted into SCIA’s tables for automatic model generation. This can be be made more robust with the use of XML.
There are a number of Grasshopper plug-ins that allow you to connect directly to SCIA Engineer, as well as complete workflows for linking Grasshopper, SCIA Engineer and Revit through Dynamo. For more information on these emerging workflows, feel free to contact us.
REVIT LINK
SCIA Engineer is the perfect complement to anyone working with Revit. The bi-directional link between Revit and SCIA Engineer means that you can start a project in either software and a change made in one software can be easily update the other.
The link supports:
- All types of geometry and materials: slabs, floors, walls, shells, beams, columns and bracing in a variety of materials (steel, concrete, timber) either straight or curved
- Analytical elements: supports, hinges, loads and load combinations.
- Results back into Revit: Deflections, stresses and beam end reactions.
- Change Management. All changes are tracked and highlighted so you can easily see the edits coming in from the other program.
TEKLA INTEROPERABILITY
SCIA and Tekla are both part of buildingSMART alliance’s OpenBIM initiative and promote IFC as the preferable format for data exchange of 3D structural models. In addition SCIA Engineer offers a bi-directional link that makes it easy exchange of steel models.
Steel structures and components can be easily modelled in SCIA Engineer, analyzed and optimized, then sent to Tekla for final documentation and detailing. Reversely, models created in Tekla can be pushed to SCIA where the design can be optimized and then pushed back to Tekla for final documentation.
CERTIFIED IFC 2X3 SUPPORT
As a co-founder of the OpenBIM Program, SCIA Engineer was the only structural analysis software to implement import and export support for the IFC 2x3 format. Because of this, it is possible to exchange data utilizing IFC (Industry Foundation Class) files with over 150 different BIM offering tools, making the OpenBIM workflow the most robust and flexible interoperability solution on the market.
