by Gaurav Sharma | Sep 26, 2022 | AutoCAD, bim, Building Information Modeling, Civil, Civil 3D
Bulk earthworks includes the removal, moving, or adding large quantities of soil or rock from a particular area to another. It is required to make an area suitable as per finished height and level for a specific construction purpose.
When bulk earthworks are taking place, the aim is to reduce as much as possible of the excavated materials to prevent both the costly collection of waste material and delivery of additional earth material.
This is done by using specialized computer software which can calculate both the amount of material that will be removed and what will be needed to complete the job. Surveyors and engineers aims to match the soil volumes being used for cut and fill, both.
We were approached by a client requiring engineering expertise to develop a bulk earthwork project for 5 number of solar power plants having capacities of 50MW to 100MW each. Couple of solar plants are situated in Africa and rest are situated in Middle East.
We decided to utilize Autodesk Civil 3D as an engineering and BIM tool because of its flexible features to develop grading and extensive tools to edit a surface.
We developed the existing earth topography based on surveyor’s raw data. Raw data can be in any form, it can be a satellite digital elevation model, or a drone scan / UAV scan or it can be multiple points taken manually by a surveyor. In our case, we were having a CSV point file provided by our client containing millions of points.
After developing the surface, we created the finished surface that was required as per the suitability of installing and operating solar trackers.
Bulk grading was created for each solar tracker area and cut/fill volumes were calculated. There were several iterations to finished surface and grading to ensure cut and fill values are balanced to avoid cost-overruns. Generally for a bulk earthwork contractor, these engineering techniques ensures their project bids and operating costs are as accurate as possible.
We then generated a cut/fill layout plan with 5m x 5m grids showing cut and fill values along with several profile views in Civil 3D to ensure the accuracy of existing and finished surfaces. These were a part of the shop drawings directly from Autodesk Civil 3D.
Similarly, access roads alignments, assembly, daylight cut and fill parametric slopes helped us to effectively model the corridors and generate shop drawings.
Through this approach, we successfully delivered Bulk Earthwork Design Services & BIM using Autodesk Civil 3D for Solar Power Plant Projects.
At BIMNCAD, we work on outsourcing projects involving Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D for land development, bulk gradings, developing and analyzing roads & highways, landscape detailing, produce shop drawings and much more. Feel free to get in touch with us or request a FREE quote for your projects by writing to us at contact@bimncad.com
by Gaurav Sharma | Feb 27, 2019 | 3D, AutoCAD, bim, Building Information Modeling, Civil, Civil 3D
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
by Sachin Pratap Singh | Feb 26, 2019 | 3D, 3D Printing Appplications, 3D Printing Tutorials, 4D BIM, 5D BIM, 7D BIM, AutoCAD, AutoCAD 2D, bim, Building Information Modeling, Civil, Civil 3D, Mechanical CAD, Mechanical Engineering, MEP, navisworks, Parametric Modelling, Solidworks, Solidworks Simulation
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.
- 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.
- Better Collaboration Using Revit
- Best for resolving conflicts between Project Members.
- Revit is Detailed Oriented (Provides all informatory data required to the respective coordinating members using BIM 360 Tool).
- It’s been easy to visualize your project and also the simulation of the project using Revit.
- Identify & Meet with clients with a splendid presentation using Revit.
- 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 :
- Enhanced Capacity of maintaining the productivity by making real-time projects collaborations easier and faster.
- Intelligently designed for Architects by focusing on their needs.
- Easy to learn and not heavy duty functions which also reduce the IT Cost.
- ArchiCAD is a server-based technology and it empowers firms for easy configuration for any size of projects.
- Maintain the competition by overcoming from the risk of delays of documentation and design process.
- 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 :
- Maintain your resource capacity
- Planning & Scheduling of any convoluted projects is now easier by using Primavera P6.
- Optimize your resources by tracking and by designating best resources.
- 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.
- Project performance analysis gives an idea of any errors by which we can make alternate project pans.
- 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,
- User-friendly Interface making it easier to learn as compared to other CAD software.
- Easy to manipulate design at any stage in the product development phase.
- Real view graphics allow the model to be visualize rendered view in real time.
- Integrated add-ons help’s in analyzing dynamics, kinematics etc.
- This 3D Modelling software minimizes the time and development cost and allows you to make the design process effortless.
@BIMNCAD, Source: www.bimncad.com
- 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:
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
by Sachin Pratap Singh | Feb 24, 2019 | AutoCAD, AutoCAD 2D, bim, Building Information Modeling, Civil, Civil 3D, MEP, navisworks
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.
by Sachin Pratap Singh | Feb 23, 2019 | 3D, AutoCAD, AutoCAD 2D, Building Information Modeling, Civil, Civil 3D, MEP, navisworks, Uncategorized
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.
