BIMX DOCS

Graphisoft have created a very useful tool  - BIMX, a 3D model viewer - and then added the ability to include 2D documentation with the model in one file.

• When included, 2D documents (plans, sections etc) retain 3D orientations and so can be overlaid over the model
• Very large 2D documents that may be unusable in PDF format (except on a powerful desktop PC) are usable on a mobile device!

Important notes:

• All published items are packaged into one file, so an update of one file requires republishing of the whole set.
• 'Hyperlinks' are set up with elevation, section and detail markers, however this requires they are properly set up in ArchiCAD.
• Viewing 3D content is free. Accessing the 2D documents is charged at the 'player end' - i.e. on the mobile device. A variety of pricing points is available, and access can be gifted to clients along with the file if desired. (3 steps: one off/per project/ unlimited). GBA iPads have an 'unlimited' license.
• No editing after publishing is currently available, and so files cannot be combined or other content/ links added.

Procedure:

• Create a publisher set for all desired outputs, including the reference 3D model (define as a view). All 2D documents are best to be layouts, not views. 
• Name the publisher set BIMX, and path set to ...Record Issued/BIMX for that project.
• In the publisher set do not include the revision letter in the 2D layout name.
• Every time a 2D document is updated, publish the set, so that it contains all the latest information.
• When syncing with a mobile device, ensure all files from the  ...Record Issued/BIMX folder are copied.

Notes:

• Some layouts may be 'work in progress' toward a future release. Given the whole set must be published, these will be included. There is no easy way to avoid this, therefore it is essential the office procedure for updating drawings, where NYI (not yet issued) is included in the revision description, along with clouds are added as changes are made.
• If a 2D view is published, ensure no 'rubbish' is included in the periphery of the view, as it will be included too!

Update to BIMx (in case you missed it)

(on iOS and Android)

http://blog.cadimage.com/2013/03/graphisoft-releases-feature-upgrade-to-bimx-mobile/

· Real-time 3D Cutaway function;
· Improved rendering technology;
· Increased performance.

With the real-time 3D Cutaway function, users can dynamically cut the BIMx model with a horizontal cutting plane. This offers a floor plan-like overview of the entire model allowing users to locate internal model parts that may be hard to find using the explore method. 3D Cutaway provides an easy-to-understand view for non-professional viewers.

Steel sections>Complex profiles

Rather than use library parts for steel structure, consider complex profiles. When used with beams and columns it is a far more powerful modelling tool, as you can rotate, stretch, tilt beams and columns with far more ease and flexibility that library parts.
To get your steel shapes into your file, in AC15 there is a much easier way....

then

choose the ones you want and 'Add to Project'!

HAPPY New Year...

A New Year offers new opportunities, and is also a good time to look at how we do things.

Even though  the office has a QA system  sometimes the simple things are missed!

REMEMBER:

Transmittals

·         The use of Transmittals is not optional. Except where pre-agreed alternatives are in place, such as Team binder.

·         They must be filled out when drawings are transmitted. Good practice is to include a PDF copy with the sent drawings.

Drawings

·         Drawings must not leave the office without a revision (email/print). If there is any contractual dispute, document identification is absolutely essential.

·         A drawing (print, PDF, DWG etc. output) filename must include the project number. This requires editing output names in publisher , so as to avoid editing filenames every time.

·         A drawing (print, PDF etc.) must contain the revision letter in the filename. This can be manually done after publishing, or before by editing filenames in publisher.

This is all  spelt out in the GBA Office Manual, in the Essential Procedures section

GUIDES:

Wanting to get up to speed with ArchiCAD? The ArchiCAD interactive training guides are a great resource of material, and are downloaded on our server for your use:

-05 Project Resources\05.100 Archicad Support\05.102 Archicad Reference\AC15\8 Archicad Interactive Training Guides.

Some are a little old (dating from v12 and 13) but the Collaboration Guides are for 15. Launch 15, open the pla files and follow the guides…(for all guides ignore instructions about running exe files – just place in your Graphisoft folder as per instructions).

Perhaps you don’t have the time to work through these? The corresponding “eGuides” in PDF format have been copied out for casual browsing with minimal setup headaches – in the eGuides folder, and have also been made available on the GBA iPads. A5 size booklet sets of each has been printed and bound, available  for reference too.

BIMx

http://www.archicadwiki.com/BIMx

BIMx is now available for office use.
The steps for saving out a model for adding on to a iPad are contained in the following link:
http://www.archicadwiki.com/BIMx/Workflow

Communicating your design using iOS and Android

Recently two interesting products have been launched - what do you think?

BIMx

• Add on to ArchiCAD, exports a 3D model to a suitable format (care must be exercised in model size etc)
• App on mobile device allows for navigating 3D model in real time
• Navigation controls even allow for stairs etc to give a lifelike experience
• The whole model can be accessed 
• http://www.graphisoft.com/products/bim-explorer/

iVisit3D

• Contained within Artlantis 4.0, exports rendered views and plans to a suitable format
• App on mobile device allows for navigating linked 3D panoramas, including rendered floor plans showing locations
• As all rendering has already been done to the quality of a typical Artlantis rendering, there is less work for the device to do.
• Only nominated panoramas can be accessed. There is no need to work on parts of the model that will remain unseen from the selected locations.
• http://artlantis.com/1224_abvent-announces-artlantis-featuring-ivisit-3d.html
• http://itunes.apple.com/en/app/ivisit-3d-lite/id465950816?mt=8
• http://www.ivisit3d.com/