90 Programs in 90 MinutesMichael O’Toole, John Gerney, Joe Menacker, Douglas Ackerman – WSP

MP 5430 Efficiency is becoming increasingly important on BIM projects. There is a perception in the industry that a BIM project is not as efficient as a 2-D project. We will show ways to become more efficient as well as discussing some software that you may find interesting.

We will discuss many of the programs that Autodesk offers to the AEC community. We should all know and support at least one (or maybe a few) programs, but have not had the time to explore many of the rest.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this class, you will be able to:

Advance your career by having a stronger knowledge base.

Apply means and methods for using new software as explained by experienced users.

Analyze your weaknesses and correct them.

Develop a strategy to make your company more productive and profitable.

About the Speaker

Michael O’Toole – Associate/CAD/BIM Manager WSP Flack + Kurtz michael.otoole@wspfk.com

John Gerney – Senior Associate WSP Flack + Kurtz john.gerney@wspfk.com

Douglas Ackerman – Technical Director WSP SA

Joe Menacker – BIM Coordinator WSP Mountain

Sub-Topic: Revit Add-Ons

File Exporter, Workset Manager, Convert Element I.D.,Project Stripper, Revit Family Processor, Scan to BIM

Sub-Topic: Data Management

Buzzsaw, Vault, Revit Server, BIM 360, Newforma

Sub-Topic: Sustainability

Eco Techt, Revit MEP, EQuest, HAPS, Trace 700

MP 5430 90 Programs in 90 Minutes

Sub-Topic: Civil BIM applications

AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012

Civil 3D is Autodesk’s Civil BIM platform. It is an AutoCAD vertical product, retaining all the functionality of vanilla AutoCAD, whilst adding a range of functionality to address the requirements of Civil engineering design and documentation. In essence Civil 3D’s functionality can be split into basic categories namely Survey, Site, Corridors, Pipes & Structures, Land subdivision, GIS and Visualization. Out of the box Civil 3D can perform the basic functions outlined, but there are many creative ways to deploy a customized version in an organization to address a variety of specialized needs.

Survey: Import survey field data from a variety of sources. This includes field book files derived from raw data

files from field collectors, LandXML format and ascii point file formats. Civil 3D can automatically generate figures, line-work and symbols based on field codes

Site modeling and documentation:Rich feature set for addressing site modelling requirements, including: Feature Lines are similar to 3D polylines in AutoCAD, but have additional capability such as 3D

curves and are used in the creation of surface models. Civil 3D includes an extensive array of tools for creating and editing feature lines.

Grading Tools are a collection of tools in Civil 3D which act on feature lines, creating dynamic gradings from a list of user-defined criteria. The gradings maintain a dynamic relationship to the parent feature lines on which they are based.

Surface creation from a variety of sources, such as point files, points, feature lines, AutoCAD objects and contour lines. Advanced editing capability includes being able to dynamically paste surfaces into each other to create composite models, smooth and simplify surfaces, and data link surfaces between different design drawings. Surfaces are represented by display styles – these can be defined to reflect your company and local standards.

Volumetric analysis and optimisation, with volume surfaces indicating cut/fill ranges and reporting of earthworks quantities. Grading tools provide functionality to automatically balance cut/fill by raising or lowering the site.

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MP 5430 90 Programs in 90 Minutes

Dynamic annotation and reporting functionality is included, with the ability to create custom expressions in annotation.

Roadway design and documentation:Toolset for addressing roadway modelling requirements, including: Alignments can be created using existing AutoCAD objects or by using a set of alignment creation

tools. Geometry can include straights, curves and transition curves. Alignments can include super-elevation data which can either be manually entered or generated by means of a wizard.

Profiles: The profile creation tools are similar to alignment creation tools, except for the option of parabolic (vertical) curves with input criteria such as curve length and K value.

Assemblies are in essence cross-sectional templates which are extruded along the alignment, whilst being able to inherit super-elevation parameters and dynamically target features such as surfaces and alignments. Sub-assemblies are composed of points, links and shapes, with their appearance controlled by user customisable code set styles.

Corridor models are produced by Civil 3D based on alignments, profiles and assemblies. The corridor model is a collection of automatically generated feature lines, points and links, the appearance of which are controlled by customisable code set styles. Corridor models can automatically generate surfaces from individual link codes and/or feature lines.

Junctions provide functionality to automate the creation of a intersection between two single carriageway roads with user defined parameters. The resulting junction is dynamic, and the two alignments are locked together at their point of intersection.

Dynamic annotation ensures that design changes are immediately reflected in labels, and these have extensive customisation options.

Quantity take-offs and customisable reports can be configured to user requirements.Civil 3D’s road design functionality can also be tailored to suit the design of rail, channels, tunnels and marine breakwaters, etc.

Pipe network modeling and documentation:Toolset for addressing storm and sanitary sewer modelling requirements, including:

Pipe and structures part catalogues: Using a parametric editor called Part Builder, one can create a library of rectangular and circular culverts, as well as build parametric structures such as chambers, inlet structures and headwalls. These custom components are then added to network parts lists, with a defined style and rule set assigned to each part, for use when creating pipe networks. User defined

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MP 5430 90 Programs in 90 Minutes

rules allow the control of minimum and maximum pipe grade, cover depth, and various other parameters.

Customisable styles for network components allow flexibility in appearance. Profile views can be generated along pipe branches, by first creating an alignment through selected

parts. These profile views can be customised to suit relevant standards, and annotated through the use of profile annotation and band sets. Expressions can be used in labels, allowing the creation of intelligent annotation displaying calculated values such as maximum pipe flow capacity and velocity.

Clash detection can be performed on multiple networks Dynamic annotation for all components Quantity take-offs and customisable reports for network componentsBuilding services are best handled by Revit MEP, but once outside the building, below ground services can be effectively designed and documented in Civil 3D. Out of the box, gravity feed reticulation is its primary focus, but with some customization effort the pipe modeling functionality can be tailored to suit:

Water (pressure) networks (with analysis using DPX extension) Sleeve layouts, e.g. irrigation, data, etc. Street/site lighting Fibre optic routes, etc. Clash detection on all of the above

Land subdivision (Parcels):Civil 3D includes functionality for addressing basic property subdivision requirements. Create parcels from CAD entities, or by using automated layout tools. Create custom parcel styles and dynamic tables containing parcel data. Label parcel boundaries with dynamic annotation.

Custom uses of the plot or parcel capability in Civil 3D may include storm water catchment areas (e.g. in C3D2011) with customised labels such as run-off calculations

Autodesk Subassembly Composer 2012Autodesk subassembly composer, or SAC, is an application which creates subassemblies in a graphical environment without having to resort to .Net programming. This tool unleashes many possibilities in utilizing the corridor modeling in Civil 3D for a range of applications, and allows easy creation of complex parametric assemblies to address almost any possible scenario. Points, links and shapes are defined, each driven by parameters. Conditional decisions can be used in the creation of these features, and target parameters assigned where required.

The resulting subassembly is easily imported into a Civil 3D palette for use in corridor modeling.

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MP 5430 90 Programs in 90 Minutes

Devotech Professional Extension (DPX) for Civil 3DThis extension from Devotech Africa adds significant functional and analysis capability to Civil 3D, addressing many missing aspects and thereby providing a more complete Civil BIM solution. DPX extends Civil 3D’s pipe network, site and road design capability by including civil design functionality such as:

Water (pressure) networks can be designed and analysed using an integrated EPANET engine and a custom parts library for water components. Network quantities, including trenching volumes, pipe bends (horizontal, vertical and combined) and part summaries can be extracted at the push of a button. Parts, such as air and scour valves, can be added and edited in a profile view. House connections can be placed automatically by the software.

Storm sewer networks benefit from an array of additional functionality, such as the ability to add orifices, weirs, outlets, outfalls, storage units and inflows all within Civil 3D, then analysed with an integrated EPASWMM engine or by exporting to SSA. Pipe analysis results, such as design flow and velocity, can be displayed in a profile view band. As with water networks, trenching quantities and part depth categories can be extracted at the push of a button.

Road design functionality in Civil 3D is extended to include the ability to import horizontal alignments from a text file and export multiple profiles to CSV format.

DPX adds dynamic custom parameters for pipes and structures to store any type of information, such as date installed, last service date, price, etc. Attaching information to components enables BIM to be used in the complete project lifecycle, with downstream applications such as facilities management.

Autodesk Storm and Sanitary Analysis (SSA)Formerly StormNET, acquired by Autodesk and currently available at no cost to anyone with a Civil 3D license, this application caters for the design and analysis of gravity feed systems. SSA is interoperable with Civil 3D in that pipe networks and catchment areas are easily exported to SSA for analysis. Design changes effected in SSA can then be imported back into Civil 3D, where your pipe network will be updated.

Apart from analyzing flows in structures and culverts, SSA also includes functionality to design and analyze attenuation ponds and structures with multiple weir and orifice controls. The process of designing storm water attenuation ponds using Civil 3D together with SSA is greatly streamlined when compared to legacy methods.

SSA includes numerous hydrology methods such as EPA SWMM, and has advanced functionality to handle water quality evaluation, pumps and snow pack runoff.

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MP 5430 90 Programs in 90 Minutes

Autodesk Civil ViewFormerly Dynamite VSP, Civil View is Autodesk’s solution for civil visualization using 3DS Max Design 2012. (also possible in 2011 versions with add-on extensions). Geometry can be imported from Civil 3D 2011 or 2012, 12d and MX using Civil View. Corridor models, surfaces, alignments and feature lines are exported using functionality in Civil 3D 2012 to a specialized 3D format for import into 3DS Max Design 2012 using its Civil View interface. This interface includes a variety of tools for automated translation of Civil 3D data into 3D objects, based on translational mappings which can be saved to a file for subsequent re-use.

Swept Object Styles can be used for lofting objects such as bridges, tunnels and other structures which follow the path of one or more 3D shapes. Styles can be saved for later re-use.

Object Placement Styles allow the automated placement of 3D objects such as vehicles, street lighting, road-signs, and vegetation based on a parent alignment. An animation editor provides functionality to address vehicle animation along a path.

Road Marking Object Styles are used to automatically generate road markings from parent alignments and feature lines. Width, color and mark/gap lengths are adjustable.

Rail Object Styles allow the automated generation of 3D objects such as guard-rails and railway tracks based on a parent shape.

Building Object Styles are used to populate your scene with fully textured 3D buildings based on 2D parent shapes.

Feature Interpretation is used to automatically associate imported civil design feature lines with object placement instructions as part of the data import process.

Sight Checker Tool allows defined objects in the scene (such as vehicles or road signs) to be tracked through animations, with distance and other information relating to the selected camera and target object being printed to the rendered frame or output to an optional text analysis file.

Traffic Import enables simulation data to be imported from VISSIM and Paramics. Surface tracking functionality ensures that vehicles follow the road surface.

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MP 5430 90 Programs in 90 Minutes

Civil View includes a localized Country Resource Kit designed specifically for a few regions. It is also possible to define your own personal or project specific resource kits.

Bridge Modeler (Labs – Technology Preview)Autodesk Bridge Modeler is an add-on application for both Civil 3D and Revit Structures, allowing the creation of parametric bridges, abutments and piers based on Civil 3D roadway data. It includes concrete box girder, concrete slab and slab with girders bridge types. Bridge modeler is able to create Civil 3D alignments and profiles from bridge strings.

Bridge modeler functionality is included in the Revit Extensions for Revit Structure 2012, and allows sharing of model elements between Civil 3D and Revit Structure. One can import a Civil 3D corridor alignment, profile, road slope/width, surface and bridge model.

The Revit Bridge modeling extension includes similar bridge types as you will find in the Bridge Modeler for AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012 technology preview. However, there are additional modeling options that are available. The resulting bridge modeled in Revit Structure can be exported into Civil 3D.

3DS Max Design 2012This application is available in two flavors, with the same core technology, namely 3DS Max and 3DS Max Design. The Design version has some enhanced capability which is aimed at AEC visualization requirements, such as the Civil View functionality, lighting simulation and analysis, and materials and workflows optimized for CAD/BIM interoperability. The non-Design version includes an SDK (Software Development Kit) which provides developers with the tools to control every aspect of the application, and is therefore aimed at the gaming and CG industries. Both versions include powerful integrated functionality to model, animate and render complex 3D scenes.

Focusing on the visualization aspect, 3DS provides FBX support for easy import of Revit Models, with material assignments and UVW mapping maintained. 3DS Max Design includes advanced lighting analysis, with an assistant to facilitate the process. Photometric lights and daylight systems are placed in scenes, with virtual light meters able to report illuminance and related data.

Object paint tools facilitate scene population, with easy placement of vegetation on the terrain surface with user defined placement parameters such as randomized rotation and scaling.

Apart from standard primitive 3D objects, 3DS provides tools for modeling complex free form surfaces using a NURBS approach or by using sub-division (e.g. NURMS) modeling techniques which are facilitated through the Graphite Modeling Tools present in the ribbon interface.

3DS Max Design includes Mental Ray technology, a powerful render engine which has a physically accurate lighting model and advanced shaders, enabling users to produce photo-realistic renders. Mental

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MP 5430 90 Programs in 90 Minutes

Ray’s proxy objects facilitate the rendering of large 3D scenes by dramatically reducing memory usage and render time as repeated objects are instanced. Distributed rendering allows a render job to be split up and processed by a collection of computers on a network, thereby reducing render time.

Almost every aspect of a 3D scene can be animated, such as objects, modifiers, lighting and materials. A comprehensive track view curve editor provides advanced control of animation keys/curves.

Note: 3DS Max Design’s Civil View functionality is covered in a separate section.

Transoft Solutions: AutoTurn Pro 3DAutoturn Pro 3D is software which runs on AutoCAD (with vertical products such as Civil 3D) and MicroStation platforms, providing vehicle swept path simulation and analysis in 3D. Traditionally, this type of software was 2D in nature, but has now evolved into a full 3D simulation of vehicle tracking, bringing it into the BIM era. Vertical aspects, such as clearance checks, are now included in the analysis options and vehicle animation can be visualized in 3D.

Autoturn includes an extensive library of vehicles for most regions whilst including functionality to create custom vehicles. Guidelines for minimum turn radii, transition curves, superelevation and lateral friction from design standards are incorporated into the application to ensure a comprehensive approach.

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MP 5430 90 Programs in 90 Minutes

Transoft Solutions: ParkCADParkCAD is software for the automated layout and design of parking lots, which runs on AutoCAD (with vertical products such as Civil 3D) and MicroStation platforms.

ParkCAD includes an array of tools to aid the designer to generate an optimal parking layout in the shortest possible time, with capability such as reducing the lot footprint whilst maintaining bay count in order to maximize green space. ParkCAD includes localized parking standards for numerous countries, with user configurable parameters for all parking and island geometry. Individually assigned parking island treatments and custom stall standards with cost reporting aid in finding optimal solutions. Traditionally laborious efforts, such as curved parking rows, placement of wheel stops and the generation of parking bay numbers are automated by ParkCAD.

Reporting capability includes quantity take-off for linear parking objects (e.g. paint marks) with cost assignments for each, and also includes parking bay count with percentages of different bay types.

Sub-Topic: Project Coordination

Navisworks, Revit (MEP, Arch, Structural) Design Review

Sub-Topic: Laser Scanning/Surveying

Leica, Design Review, Scan to BIM

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