BIM software also includes direct import of other formats and better support for IFC
Nemetschek company Allplan is enhancing the interoperability of its BIM software so models, data and information from various disciplines can be brought together in local and cloud-based workflows.
Allplan 2021 features enhanced support for IFC, direct import of several 3D CAD/BIM formats and, as part of a technical preview for Allplan 2021, the direct import of Revit files is also possible for the first time.
In terms of specifics, the quality of the import and export of IFC models has been improved in order to create walls, ceilings or columns with openings even from geometrically simplified IFC data.
Other interfaces are also available for data exchange with common formats including DWG, DXF, DGN and PDF, as well as Rhinoceros 3D, SketchUp, Cinema4D, Google Earth and Lumion. With the Allplan Revit import technical preview Revit models can be read into Allplan and used without prior conversion to IFC. During the import, largely native Allplan objects such as walls, columns, slabs, beams, windows, doors and roofs are created.
“Allplan has always been committed to OpenBIM, as only open standards enable the successful implementation of BIM workflows in heterogeneous system landscapes,” says Thomas Müller, product manager interoperability at Allplan. “Open data standards contribute significantly to the advancing digitalisation of the construction industry. They are the basis for efficient data exchange and ensure that processes run largely smoothly thanks to compatible data.”
Allplan has also extended integration between Allplan 2021 and its cloud-based collaboration platform Allplan Bimplus. The software also offers direct connectivity to solutions such as MS Excel, MS Project and other modelling tools. It also provides apps such as SCIA AutoConverter which converts architectural and building models into models for structural analysis for better collaboration between architects, structural engineers and designers.
“Bimplus enabled anyone on the project to view our live design reinforcement model from anywhere, giving the entire team a much better insight into the design than if we had relied on drawings,” said Silvy Santosa, BIM specialist at the Dutch construction company BAM Infraconsult.
