Tag: tekla

An open, crowd-sourced library of IFC and BIM files

Luke Johnson

Ryan Schultz is working on Revit–>IFC–>Revit translations, and he has created a open source page as a focus for test and sample files.  Here is the link:
https://github.com/theoryshaw/IFC_Roundtrip

Interestingly, Ryan is looking into IFC translations with ArchiCAD, Vectorworks, Microstation, Tekla and others.  The mixed environment of BIM software on collaborative projects is proving a challenge to many teams.  Ok, we can’t all work with Revit (maybe one day), but for now we have to find a way to share our models with high geometry fidelity and without losing the actual intelligence of BIM data.

I’m sure Ryan would be keen to hear from you, perhaps via Twitter or the github page.

Let’s work together to learn how to work together…

via
https://twitter.com/theoryshaw/status/450604566132686848

Tekla and Revit 2014

Luke Johnson

Some up-to-date info on data exchange between Tekla and Revit, including IFC and SDNF workflows (from revit structure blog):
The main purpose of the IFC import into Tekla is to allow the fabricator to accurately build a model from the consultants Revit model. However, you can convert certain objects from the IFC file to native Tekla objects such as beams, columns, footings etc. This is clearly useful rather than building a model from scratch. I tried this on a few beams and columns and again found no discrepancies with the original Revit Structure 2014 model, however, as you would expect the stairs translated to a bounding box. See the below image including the report.
…
I also imported an IFC model from Tekla to Revit with some fairly good results that are fine for coordination purposes. I would imagine that this may be better in a product such as Navisworks… 
…
The best way to incorporate the analytical model from Tekla to Revit is to transfer the model as CIMsteel (Note that you will need to install the SDNF Import/Export for Autodesk Revit 2014). This gives you the option of transferring the analytical model

Read more:
Revit Structure 2014 and Tekla Structures 19.1 | Autodesk Revit Structure

Tekla and Revit – making them work with each other?

Luke Johnson

Are you interested in Tekla to Revit (and back) interoperability?  Then check out:
Tekla-Revit Interoperability Forum | LinkedIn

Various plug-ins and workflows are available which may help you coordinate the two systems effectively.

One such workflow focuses on using BCF plugins to coordinate and transmit Comments:

  • Identify an issue in your model / linked model
  • highlight and comment in the plugin tool
  • send tiny file to dropbox /shared server / email
  • fellow consultant opens comment which zooms to correct location in Revit / Tekla Structures and can immediately take action. 

From Highlight and comment directly from Revit into Tekla Structures (and back again) | LinkedIn

Heads-up:
Google Translate

Installing Suite Workflows and using Showcase as a Revit presentation tool

Luke Johnson

Have you tried Showcase yet?

Like Shades of Grey, I’m relatively excited about Showcase:
One of my brightest hopes for Revit 2013 is Showcase, which is a totally separate application.  Could this finally be the viewer that works ?  I’ve tried Design Review & Navis Works Freedom,  Quicktime FBX plugin, Tekla Bimsight … People are doing clever things with Game Engines, but I need a quick and easy way of bringing a lightweight export from the model into meetings.  
via
Shades of Grey: BROAD BRUSH & FINE DETAIL

Evidently, you need a pretty decent system to make everything smooth, as Neil Thompson says
@jrostar it eats ram more than revit on full render.

A few links:
Suites Workflow Manager – WikiHelp

Revit Workflows in the Autodesk Building Design Suite – WikiHelp

Installation notes:

I really tried to get Showcase working without installing the whole Building Design Suite, but I haven’t figured it out yet! Here are some of the steps I tried:

  1. Install Revit, Showcase and Max (separate downloads, not from BDS media)
  2. Activate all products using a Suite license
  3. Extract the folder WorkflowInstaller from your extracted Suite archive – Content subfolder.
  4. Close all Autodesk programs
  5. Run the file AutodeskBuildingDesignSuiteWorkflows.msi from the appropriate subfolder (x64 or x86)
  6. Open Revit – Suite Workflows still not visible 🙁

Direct download Showcase 2013 (use this method):
http://trial.autodesk.com/SWDLDDLM/2013/SHOWCASE/ESD/Autodesk_Showcase_2013_Multilingual_Win_64bit.exe

Direct download 3dsMaxDesign 2013 (use this method):
http://trial.autodesk.com/SWDLDDLM/2013/MAXDES/ESD/Autodesk_3ds_Max_Design_2013_EFGKJS_Win_64bit.exe
http://trial.autodesk.com/SWDLDDLM/2013/MAXDES/ESD/Autodesk_3ds_Max_Design_2013_EFGKJS_Win_32bit.exe

AutoCAD Design Suite Standard 2013
http://trial.autodesk.com/SWDLDDLM/2013/DSSTD/ESD/AutoCAD_Design_Suite_Standard_2013_English_Win_32bit.part1.exe
http://trial.autodesk.com/SWDLDDLM/2013/DSSTD/ESD/AutoCAD_Design_Suite_Standard_2013_English_Win_32bit.part2.rar

Some notes about Workflows:

Need to install 3dsMax to make it work:
Revit Workflows in the Autodesk Building Design Suite – WikiHelp

Install Workflows – WikiHelp
BDSP 2013extContentWorkflowInstallerx64
“C:ProgramDataAutodeskWorkflowsProducts.xml”

What is Autodesk DirectConnect? – WikiHelp

Trimble develops point creator plug-ins for Revit and other BIM software

Luke Johnson

A while ago I posted about Trimble (Trimble Acquires Tekla)

Now, Trimble is developing plug-ins for various CAD softwares (including AutoCAD and Revit), which essentially will allow users to add ‘points’ to their models for easy export to the Trimble field surveying hardware.


SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) today announced updates to its Trimble® Point Creator software platform by introducing plug-ins for CAD and Autodesk® Revit® users. Existing users of Autodesk Revit 2012 (Architecture, MEP, and Structures versions) and popular CAD platforms, such as AutoCAD®, AutoCAD® MEP®, Bricscad, and ZWcad can operate natively within the Trimble Point Creator application to create 2D and 3D points. The points are then easily transferred to the Trimble LM80, Trimble MEP, and Trimble Field Link solutions for construction layout in the field.

If you want to be notified when these plug-ins are released, go to:
http://partners.bimtofield.com/get-TPC

Read the rest of the press release at designreform:
Trimble Point Creator Pro Software: Simple, native CAD point creation software – news

Trimble Acquires Tekla

Luke Johnson

Trimble Finland Oy, a subsidiary of Trimble Navigation Limited, has acquired Tekla.  This could result in some interesting products, as Trimble has a real focus on mobile technologies.  Watch this space…and read on for some more information.

Here is a quote from the press release on the Tekla website.

The extended offer period in the public tender offer by Trimble Finland Oy, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Trimble Navigation Limited, for all of the issued and outstanding shares in Tekla Corporation that are not owned by Tekla, expired on June 27, 2011.

via
Notification of a change in shareholding according to Securities Markets Act 2:9 – Tekla

And here is a pretty big claim made by Tekla at the above link:

Tekla Corporation drives the evolution of digital information models with its software, providing a growing competitive advantage to customers in the construction, infrastructure and energy industries.

So, who or what is Trimble?  Here is some more information:

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location: including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

via
Trimble Navigation Limited – Trimble Completes Tender Offer for Tekla Corporation