How to Create Custom Parts for AutoCAD Civil 3D Consulting

How to Create Custom Parts for AutoCAD Civil 3D Consulting

Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D is a BIM tool developed specifically for Civil engineers by Autodesk. You can create/import survey points and perform geometrical operations to locate intersection points as desired while doing your “AutoCAD Civil 3D Consulting”. Surfaces can be created at ease using points, Digital Elevation Models, contour lines, etc.

Sometimes, in order to create a pressure network, the user requires creating certain network parts which might not be available in default Pressure Network Catalog such as reducers.

To create a network part, create a 3-D solid geometry of the network part in 3D Modeling workspace of AutoCAD Civil 3D, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1

Make sure that the 2D Wireframe visual style is active and create the axis of the reducer which will be collinear with the pressure pipe of the pressure network. Figure 2 shows the axis created for the reducer.

 

 

Figure 2

Change the workspace from 3D Modeling to Civil 3D workspace and choose the Insert tool from the Connection Point panel of the Insert tab, as shown in Figure 3.

 

Figure 3

You will be prompted to pick an object to add the connection point to. Select the axis of reducer and you will be prompted to pick the insertion point in the object.

Click on one of the endpoints of the axis that you want to use as an insertion point. After specifying the insertion point, you will be prompted to pick the 1st point for the direction. Click on one of the endpoints of the axis, and similarly click on another endpoint to specify the direction of reducer to be attached.

After specifying the direction on the axis, you will be prompted to add engineering data. Specify yes in the command prompt area and the command terminates.

Enter PUBLISHPARTCONTENT in the command prompt area and hit ENTER; you will be prompted to select a solid for publishing.

Click on the solid geometry of the reducer; you will be prompted to select a centerline entity that represents the previously selected solid.

Click on the axis of reducer, you will be prompted to specify the measuring unit. Select the desired unit from the command prompt area.

Next, you will be prompted to specify the part type. Select the Reducer option from the command prompt area; the Select location to save CONTENT file dialog box will be displayed.

 

Save the part to an appropriate location.

Open the Content Catalog Editor from Start > All Programs > Autodesk > [Autodesk Civil3D folder] in Windows 7. For other OS, refer OS/software manual.

Choose Open Catalog button from the toolbar; the Open dialog box will be displayed.

Navigate to [system drive]\\ProgramData\\Autodesk\\C3D {version}\\enu\\Pressure Pipes Catalog\\Metric
*Replace [system drive] with the drive in which the software is installed and {version} with the software version.

Open the catalog in which you want to add the reducer.

Right-click on the reducer node displayed.

Choose the Import part option, as shown in Figure 4.

 

 

Figure 4

On choosing the Import part option; the Import Part wizard will be displayed, as shown in Figure 5.

 

 

Figure 5

Choose the Browse button displayed next to Import from.CONTENT file edit box; the Open dialog box will be displayed.

Open the *.CONTENT file published in earlier steps and choose Next.

Select the Water and the Reducer option from the Industry and Part Type drop-downs, respectively.

Specify the part family name in the Part Family Name edit box and choose Next.

Specify the material and description in the ID Material drop-down and Description edit box, respectively.

Choose Next followed by Finish; the Import Part wizard will close and the *.CONTENT file will be added to the catalog.

Save the catalog using the Save Catalog button from the toolbar.

Now you will be able to use the reducer part in creating pressure networks in Civil 3D.

Looking for AutoCAD Civil 3D Training then mail us your requirement at contact@bimncad.com

 

 

 

 

 

Top 5 Trending Software’s with Maximum Market-share in CAD & AEC Industry

Top 5 Trending Software’s with Maximum Market-share in CAD & AEC Industry

There are the various software’s in the market currently for AEC & CAD Industry, but out of them there are 5 major software’s in the market has set a record of creating a huge demand in the last few years. We figured out why these software’s adoption rate was higher and what are their strong features that create a huge dependency among the Architects, Contractors, Modelers & Renderers for their efficient work. Here are the TOP 5 Sofware’s that has the major market share in CAD & AEC Industry.

  1. Revit (BIM):

In this current BIM Scenario REVIT is the tool that holds the major market share in the AEC Industry of almost 48% as per NBS Report 2017. It is used for Architecture design, Modeling & Documentation of any project and its developed by Autodesk INC.

Revit is Allowing Architects, engineers, and the Construction Industry to make changes in real time. It can track the amount of time each person spends working on the project, projecting construction costs and timing from the beginning of a building; thus, helping construction meet completion goals better than ever before. It also tells the AEC information right down to what, when, and where the building will need maintenance.

Here are the top 5 benefits of using Revit on your BIM Project.

  1. Better Collaboration Using Revit
  2. Best for resolving conflicts between Project Members.
  3. Revit is Detailed Oriented (Provides all informatory data required to the respective coordinating members using BIM 360 Tool).
  4. It’s been easy to visualize your project and also the simulation of the project using Revit.
  5. Identify & Meet with clients with a splendid presentation using Revit.

 

  1. ArchiCAD (BIM) :

ArchiCAD is the 2nd most commonly used software for BIM Projects and it’s been adopted by an average of 18% market by AEC Industry. ArchiCAD has been developed by Graphisoft by keeping various problems and their solutions for many divergent segments in the AEC Industry.

Top 5 benefits for ArchiCAD :

  1. Enhanced Capacity of maintaining the productivity by making real-time projects collaborations easier and faster.
  2. Intelligently designed for Architects by focusing on their needs.
  3. Easy to learn and not heavy duty functions which also reduce the IT Cost.
  4. ArchiCAD is a server-based technology and it empowers firms for easy configuration for any size of projects.
  5. Maintain the competition by overcoming from the risk of delays of documentation and design process.

 

  1. Primavera (BIM): Project Planning & Scheduling

    #BIM TOOLS #CAD TOOLS
    #RENDERING TOOLS #ARCHITECTURAL TOOLS

By using primavera we can prepare any business project portfolio. It has almost 30% of the market share in the Industry. Primavera handles large-scale and mature projects very easily and it has been developed by Oracle INC.

Here are the top benefits of using Primavera :

  1. Maintain your resource capacity
  2. Planning & Scheduling of any convoluted projects is now easier by using Primavera P6.
  3. Optimize your resources by tracking and by designating best resources.
  4. After the Planning phase, it’s very important to visualize and monitor your project performance according to your plan and we can do that using Primavera.
  5. Project performance analysis gives an idea of any errors by which we can make alternate project pans.

 

  1. Solidworks (Mechanical CAD) :

SOLIDWORKS is a parametric-based 3D modeling CAD software and is been adopted by more than 1,50,000 companies worldwide. Apart from dominating manufacturing sector, This 3D Modelling software has also been used in the interior, architectural and medicine industries to name a few.

SOLIDWORKS provides a wide platform for solid modeling, as well as for surface modeling both controlled parametrically. Parametric 3d modeling is a modeling technique in which geometries are controlled by using numeric parameters like the diameter of a circle and geometry based parameters like concentricity and perpendicularity. Hence one can capture design intent to change the product’s geometry and shape throughout the product development process.

Here are the Top Advantages of Using SOLIDWORKS,

  1. User-friendly Interface making it easier to learn as compared to other CAD software.
  2. Easy to manipulate design at any stage in the product development phase.
  3. Real view graphics allow the model to be visualize rendered view in real time.
  4. Integrated add-ons help’s in analyzing dynamics, kinematics etc.
  5. This 3D Modelling software minimizes the time and development cost and allows you to make the design process effortless.

@BIMNCAD, Source: www.bimncad.com

 

  1. Autodesk 3DS Max (Architecture & Interiors Renderings) :

3Ds Max is a product by Autodesk INC, it has been diversified across the Engineering and Construction (AEC) business and has strong 3D modeling & Rendering capabilities.

3Ds Max consists of the many wealthy options that facilitate the modelers, the renders and also the designers to form unflawed photo-realistic 3D pictures also as 3D animations of any construction component.

Here are the top benefits of using 3Ds Max for 3D CAD Modeling & Rendering in the AEC Industry:

  1. In 3D animation services particularly the structural, the mechanical animation & in AEC industry, 3Ds Max 2018 has created notable improvements in the visualization, the motion graphics, the visual effects, etc.
  2. 3ds Max is a digital content creation software package, It can even produce 3d printable elements within the laptop which will replace human effort or sophisticate designed device
  3. It helps Modelers, Renderers and also the alternative users to increase their efficiency because of the diversification in 3D CAD Modeling, 3D Renderings, and Animation features.
  4. 3ds Max incorporates a dialog tool referred to as Material Editor that enables users to create & edit materials and maps in their scenes. they’ll be able to apply artistic textures, as well as, simulate refractions, reflections, and many effects as they assign materials to things.
  5. You can now link objects together in 3Ds Max, As a result, it allows the user to form hierarchies and can animate sets of objects in once.
Learn BIM Optimization and its Sustainable Structures

Learn BIM Optimization and its Sustainable Structures

Introduction

BIM for Sustainable Building Design

Firstly, we need to discuss Building Information Modeling (BIM), what it is, and its potential to Conquer the answer to sustainable design. BIM in and of itself; is known as the process to design buildings and structures on a collaborative level. BIM is Allowing Architects, engineers, and the Construction Industry (AEC) to make changes in real time. It can track the amount of time each person spends working on the project, projecting constructio n costs and timing from the beginning of a building; thus, helping construction meet completion goals better than ever before. It also tells the AEC information right down to what, when, and where the building will need to maintenance. That is the simple definition.

Where is BIM going

In truth, BIM goes so much further; it is difficult to take in all that this has to offer. Other than the genius that has gone into its creation. BIM has been a long time in the making and, seems to be a fluid and ever-evolving form, taking shape into things we had not previously imagined. However, as technology grows, our applications and their abilities are ever expanding too. Where is the future of building information modeling going?

The future of BIM

Well, it is going green; as the future of BIM technology changes along with everything else, it is maturing and growing into something that gives AEC some remarkable power in building design. As if this were not enough, the future of BIM software will be able to integrate with other emerging schemas that focus on building green. Moreover, even upcoming AI implementations; which, will streamline the drafting and how information is changed and entered into the BIM even further.

The future of BIM in construction

Which is excellent, mother earth not only needs it, she is begging for it; and so are the people and animal life. Not only is it great that this is being worked on by concerned AEC, but due to The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Requires that new construction and renovation projects must make sure they are using 55% less energy than other commercial buildings. Furthermore, by 2030, all new facilities have to meet the new standard of net-zero energy buildings.

When BIM optimization is applied

Well, there is BIM, and there is, of course, optimization of the tools you have at your fingertips. The BIM is just a thing, without humans that actively utilize BIM and sustainable construction are optimizing it, without AEC using this valuable tool, it is just another program sitting on a desktop. We, just cannot have that. The power of BIM to grow sustainable homes, structures, and buildings is too powerful to let it sit on the shelf; therefore, it cannot!

In today’s world of pollution, BIM software is the future

In today’s world of pollution, greenhouse gases, energy footprints, and more; tools like this are no longer sitting around on the shelf. With the worlds collective environmental problems, particularly climate change, being a severe global issue; just waiting for the bright minds of today, and technology, to concentrate its efforts on solving this sobering challenge. BIM has the power to change all of this when optimized for today’s sustainable construction. The AEC now realizes how vital BIM for sustainable building design. The AEC also recognizes how badly needed such a powerful tool is and can be. Assisting in this global issue, the aims of BIM are leaning more toward sustainable building design. The future of building information modeling is taking many steps to solve these issues.

BIM Optimization for sustainable building design

Imagine it. Green buildings. There is a subset of BIM Optimization for sustainable and greener buildings. Green Building IML is a subset of the BMI modeling efforts. This subset of optimizing BMI and sustainability; thankfully, is a reality. Many people are not concerned at all with the carbon footprint and pollution that buildings create or perhaps, they have never thought of how much additional energy buildings use. Honestly, it is a staggering amount. Our beloved buildings and structures are releasing over 70% of greenhouse gasses emitted. Moreover, they use a crushing 70% of the energy consumed in the United States alone.

The future of BIM technology and solutions

It does not take much thought to realize this is a staggering amount of energy. Also, it is such a large number; it is obnoxious. Moreover, it is an issue for our climate, air quality, and carbon footprint affecting the entire world. Some of these numbers may be in the USA, but we all know the wind blows across the globe. This fact is not only revolting, most of us realize it is causing health issues and climate change; this is where BMI optimization for sustainable construction comes into play. Making crucial correct decisions regarding sustainable buildings at the initial stage plays a pivotal role in realizing the sustainable building.  It is clear why in recent years, BIM has become a favorite approach used for sustainable building design.

The future of BIM and theme of sustainable building

The general theme of a sustainable building is: Use as few resources as possible, not to disturb ecosystems, disrupt natural life rhythms during construction, maintenance, operation and demolition of a building. BIM is a favorite approach to the creation of the sustainable building. Giving the AEC the ability to enter all the geometry, geographic information, spatial relationships, and the properties and quantities of the building elements; which, are saved in its virtual 3D environment. Thus, the ability to apply simulation after simulation while still in the virtual environment. Giving them the ability to verify the performance of their designs. Also, giving them the full use of the future of BIM in construction designs, and find one that works best for the build area and environment. The future of BIM technology and its optimization, and more widespread use may be just what the doctor ordered for the planet, and all of her inhabitants. Taking nature, wildlife, and humans into consideration before a build, will decrease not only the carbon footprint and emissions; but the effect the buildings have on our emotions and how we have finally come to value simple things such as clean air, environment, and wildlife habitat erosion.

Conclusion

Of course, these changes cannot happen overnight. However, it creates hope and the possibility of change; that things can and will be better for our lives and the lives of our future generations in general because of the unique technology of building information technology.

 

How Upcoming Infrastructure Projects can Revolutionalize BIM in India?

How Upcoming Infrastructure Projects can Revolutionalize BIM in India?

BIM is not a new and unknown term in India anymore.

Introduction

In recent years, Building Information Modeling, otherwise known as BIM, has grown in popularity with professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction industry. This is mainly due in part to the efficient tools it gives AEC professionals in the planning, designing, construction, and overall management phases of buildings and infrastructures. However, in India, the implementation of BIM modeling and applications has been slow and gradual in many industries.

India’s slow rise in BIM

BIM has unequivocally become a necessity for construction in almost every developed and developing country including India. So why has the process taken long to adopt? Generally, India has been a bit hesitant to adopt new technologies, and BIM expertise in india are limited in the region. Not to mention the heavy initial cost of BIM and the lack of involvement from the government of india to quicken its implementation. However, rapid urbanization and industrialization has changed the scenario and has given rise to the need for better infrastructural set ups in india. As it is said that the quality of the country’s existing infrastructure is neither efficient nor environmentally optimal. Which means there is a need for BIM technology to revolutionize the construction landscape in India.

 Construction Companies Using BIM

As mentioned earlier, AEC professionals have incorporated BIM into their projects, and this includes some of the biggest construction companies across the globe like Hochtief, China Communications Construction Group, Vinci, and Samsung C&T. Among them is also Indian based company Larsen & Toubro. L&T is a company that claims to have mastered BIM from the start. Beginning with a conceptual demonstration to detail architecture, all the way up to post construction, among other performance-enhancing applications. This extends to their projects including airports, IT infrastructure buildings, public buildings such as sport infrastructure and metro stations, and factories using steel, reinforced concrete, and pre-stressed concrete. The adoption of BIM processes has allowed experts to explore a project’s crucial characteristics physically and digitally even before it’s been completely built.

So how does L&T incorporate BIM into their projects and can more Indian based construction companies follow? These are six key factors in L&T’s BIM incorporation of software and technology:

Turnkey Capability

To ensure a project can even begin, it is vital to establish the human need for it combined with the efficient use of space. L&T offers turnkey design and construction of infrastructure and modern amenitiesthat meet customer needs. This eliminates the possibility of having a project fail before it can reach stakeholders.

Construction Techniques

Using advanced production techniques and high-speed technologies like heated tunnel forms and aluminum form work help in the reinforcement of walls and floor slabs on a continuous single pour which thereby reduces time and cost. Buildings are less acceptable to collapse which reduces the need for rebuilding.

Avant-Garde Technology

L&T has India’s largest fleet of construction equipment that offers speed, high quality, and cost-effective construction. With a combination of construction techniques and a systematic schedule, L&T is able to ensure quick work progress at high levels of accuracy and enhanced productivity with safe practices. Buildings are built with accuracy and speed which reduces the cost and time to finish.

Design and Build

L&T’s concept is simple: The General Contractor takes single-point-responsibility. To elaborate, the General Contractor is responsible for coordinating with the other AEC professionals involved in the project, including MEP consultants and promoters. The General Contractor is able to collaborate and communicate with the other team members through BIM software as they work together, saving time and avoiding confusion with the software’s cloud feature.

Precast Technology

This technology ensures improved quality and stability within its environment. It offers precast engineering like a precast feasibility study, precast structural concepts, and architectural coordination, and recast element detail design for stripping and transportation, among other things. A detailed precast is able to show the feasibility of a project before its completion including its stability and design which is cost effective. This includes the possibility of unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters or construction hazards.

Finishes Implementation Centre (FIC)

A team of professionals set benchmarks for project deliverables without compromising on the quality of final seen finishes. L&T’s construction engineers transform the architect’s designs and drawings to reality. Projects are delivered to end users as a product built to structural rigidity. Visualization and simulation including the use of 3-D models help assure clients of their finished project and allow for accuracy before a project is complete.

Benefits of using BIM

As evident by L&T, there are many benefits to using BIM technology. Among them are cost, time, management, visualization, and maintaining control of possible unforeseen circumstances. BIM software ensures collaboration with all teams and helps eliminate the need for having to do reworks which is both cost-effective and time-saving.

The Future of BIM in India’s Industry

With its many benefits, India is quickly realizing that BIM modeling is vital for AEC professionals to be able to work together to design and develop buildings. However, despite the known benefits, there are still barriers that prevent India from fully engaging in BIM implementation. These include cost of equipment, client driven limitations, lack of education and training, legal and commercial barriers. The good news is that progress is being made. There are now more than 50 AECO organizations that deliver BIM projects to the local and global market. More buildings and infrastructure are being built in India using BIM software and technology including metro stations and housing facilities. Free seminars are being held in Dubai at Construction Expos to specifically inform AEC professionals about the many benefits of BIM and how to utilize the model. This is a big step for the AECO industry, which is the second largest industry in India, employing more than 35 million as of 2015.

Conclusion

Countries, whether developed or developing, are seeing the long-lasting value in BIM technology. Though there is still progress that needs to be made and barriers that need to be lifted, with its adoption, future indications are promising for BIM technology in India’s Construction Industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Should Building Information Modeling (BIM) Start from the Early Stages?

Why Should Building Information Modeling (BIM) Start from the Early Stages?

Why Should Building Information Modeling (BIM) Start from the Early Stages ?

So, what is BIM or Building Information Modeling?

The definition of Building Information Modeling or Building Information Model(BIM); describes the process of designing a building on a collaborative level. Thus, using one system of computer models, coherently bringing the design together; rather than many separate sets of drawings. Moreover, a digital representation of the functional and physical characteristics of a facility. It is a resource of shared knowledge or information regarding a facility. This information can be essential to making responsible decisions regarding a facility way to early than from the traditional CAD drawings. Not just from the conception of the building, but during the facilities life cycle too. It is a plan from the conceptualization of the structure to demolition. In short, it is a piece of software(s) that designs the building, from birth to death.

Understanding (BIM) Modeling, helps us see its potential impact.  Now, that we understand the definition of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, let’s look at a few of the advantages BIM software offer.

  • Easy visualization of your construction project in a 3D environment.
  • Less rework on design changes thereby acting as money saver and time saver,
  • Improved collaboration between consultants reducing on-site coordination issues early,
  • Various simulations can be performed such as construction sequencing and construction cost providing transparency among shareholders

It is easy to see why starting with BIM or Building Information Modeling in the earliest stages of a construction would be the smart move. BIM allows the stakeholders to bring their construction projects to fruition more seamlessly, and with fewer surprises. Traditionally designing buildings relied mostly on two-dimensional technical drawings. (e.g., sections, elevations, and plans to name a few), recently, the shift to BIM has created more value.

3D (height, width, and depth), and beyond!

With the development of computer programs from old days, there was a considerable innovation of being able to create your buildings in 3D and the old drawing table and tools of the trade of architecture. Drafting on the paper in the digital was only the start. Building Information Modeling(BIM) extends the scope of what the older programs did. Also, taking it the ways beyond 3D as technology kept changing and is changing.

Building information modeling, 3D design software, with a twist.

Not only you have the 3D capabilities as you had in the older and more traditional CAD software, BIM brings time as the fourth dimension, cost as the fifth dimension and has a much broader scope and meaning than just geometry. It carries the manufacturer information for the properties and quantities of building components, and materials used in the completion of the building. BIM is capable of projecting completion time as and when necessary repairs to the structure might expect. From Construction Documentation to Maintenance, everyone working on the project is on the same page and they have access to, and can enter data into the BIM, which is essential to a seamless outcome.

(BIM) modeling services can build from the ground up.

The BIM modeling program or services first starts from the ground underneath the structure. The project begins with the images of the earth, digital elevation, and aerial imagery, along with laser scans of the existing site. BIM is capable of capturing real-time information in regard with the project location. BIM Designers benefit from all the input compiled and shared in a way paper was never able to do.

Imagine you need to make changes to your project, now what?

There was a time when, if there were changes in a plan (e.g., number of size of windows) for some reason, an entirely new drawing had to be redraw to account for the differences. Maybe just to add a staircase or another exit. Now, while using BIM, you make the changes, hit save, and the whole team has access to the new information in real time using cloud technology. Instead of heading back to the drawing table, and starting again, adding and taking elements away has become a thing of ease now. Think of the money saved by an action to just save the project, thus helping everyone to stay on the same page while working on the construction project; this is one of the more luxurious aspects of Building information modeling. It will also link construction cost and installation costs for the newly added attributes to the building. Thus, saving time and significantly reducing the overall cost of the building project.

Building Information Modeling(BIM) programs and the environment.

BIM modeling can also take the overall operational costs of the finished product in mind. It also has multiple simulation options available so that the design staff can observe the building attributes in all seasons. Its features such as this that can assist in building smarter, more economical, and energy efficient structures. With the click of a button, all the analyses can be done to achieve peak performance. Building Information Modeling(BIM) programs can also detect potentially costly errors on the construction site and can inform about its occurrence such as on-site coordination issues. Things such as electrical conduits or ducts that runs into beams on site; this on-site issue can be expensive, and can be effectively bypassed with BIM modeling. The problem will be detected before you break ground to construction. BIM has the ability to fix such issues, such as these on-site coordination issues, that often plague projects when run by multiple teams. Here again, BIM is a money saver for construction projects. Also, BIM is an excellent way for the transfer of knowledge by sharing traditional plans, sections, elevations, as well as other types of reports that the teams can share with other parts of the project team. The software has customizable features and automation tools such as annotating a category of elements at once, saves precious drafting time; thus, conserving the project money and construction pitfalls.

BIM modeling software helps sequence the steps in a building plan.

BIM modeling software can sequence the steps of building the structure and all phases of these steps, down to the materials needed to accomplish the next step in the series of construction. The sequencing of steps is completed with animations and simulations, helping to coordinate the construction processes. Hence, delivering a more predictable outcome of the project beneficial for stakeholders. These are just some of the reasons that if a BIM plan is in place and is wisely used in the earlier on in the project, the better or smoother the project progresses. Making projects more seamless while saving valuable time and money on any project from a home to a high-rise building.