New version of the BIM software with numerous new features and optimized BIM workflows
Buildings and structures with high geometric complexity is a key focus for Allplan 2019, the latest release of the German-developed BIM tool. New features include floor and level management for complex buildings, a new module for modelling complex stairs, improved teamwork for architects and engineers, and an optimised range of properties and objects.
“BIM is increasingly becoming the standard in the construction industry. Allplan 2019 provides architects and engineers with a BIM tool with which they can work together successfully at any stage of the BIM process,” explains Richard Brotherton, Managing Director of ALLPLAN.
Allplan 2019 contains new views and sections for reinforcement detailing. With this development, write-access to the building model is no longer required when detailing reinforcement. This enables role-based access rights and facilitates collaboration between architects and engineers on the same project. For example, architects have write access for all components, engineers have write access for the reinforcement and read access for the components. According to the developers, this makes it possible to work on a common building model on an interdisciplinary basis.
Floor and layer management has been completely revised and expanded to include the layer manager palette. The palette facilitates the creation and modification of floors and levels. A preview function allows direct visual feedback on the planned changes. In addition, floors can be comfortably selected, and names or heights can be easily adjusted.
There’s also a new property palette that allows for easier management of settings such as format, visualisation and attributes for components such as walls, ceilings, foundations, roofs and rooms. The Object palette allows users to sort objects by their properties. Objects for which properties are missing, outdated or incorrectly assigned are easier to identify and correct.
IFC, the standard interface for openBIM projects, if now supported up to IFC4, representing a further improvement that enables the export of basic geometry information (“BaseQuantities”) in BIM projects. In addition, the user interface has been simplified and new options integrated, including the ability to split multi-layered walls and roofs into individual elements.
The software also has some UI enhancements including the Actionbar, which provides standard access to role-specific functions for architecture, civil engineering, terrain, construction and bridges. In the new version, standard settings can be individually adjusted, functions can be added, deleted or restructured. Allplan says this makes the configuration much more flexible.
For architects, the new stair modeller in Allplan Architecture 2019 means stairs can be created quickly and precisely, says the developer. Staircase elements such as steps, substructure or stringers as well as properties can be defined with the aid of a separate pallete. Axis, sections, steps or distances can be easily modified using handles.
There are also several enhancements for engineers.
In Allplan Bridge for Bridge Engineers, tendons can now also be modelled parametrically. When changes are made to the model, the geometry of the tendons is automatically adjusted.
In Allplan Engineering 2019, users can now access the internationally valid Nemetschek catalogs for steel profiles via Allplan Bimplus with just a few clicks to simplify workflows when handling steel elements. The steel profiles, including geometry and attributes, are available in Allplan. Since these catalogs are also used in other Nemetschek software solutions such as Frilo Statik or Scia Engineer, a smooth data transfer between these products is possible.
Finally, there has been some work done on the selection of reinforcement sleeves. In order to ensure precise dimensions in reinforcement planning, manufacturer-specific special features must be taken into account for reinforcement joints. In Allplan Engineering 2019, Fortec sockets and HALFEN HBS-05 screw connections were therefore added. In the event that the joint system to be used has not yet been defined, manufacturer-neutral joints have also been integrated.
Allplan Architecture 2019 and Allplan Engineering 2019 as well as the free 30-day trial version are now available for download.
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our email newsletter or print / PDF magazine for FREE
