BIM HOW TO

The BIM Brief: LOD = LOD + LOI

Level of Development doesn't offer enough flexibility alone. Nigel considers this month whether LOD needs expanding...

30th of November 2012

Locating a Revit project to an existing grid

Setting Shared Coordinates in Revit is straightforward.. But what happens if you have been issued with an existing building grid and need to make sure that your model data is always coincident?

13th of November 2012

Automatically adding doors to the DataGroup system

If you have created a series of PCStudio or Parametric Frame Builder doors, you will need to create each one as a new Catalog Item before you can use them. Learn how to automate the process...

12th of September 2012

Creating user-defined content in ABD

This guide takes you through the stages of creating a user-defined DataGroup Catalog Item in a robust and consistent manner...

31st of August 2012

Creating a new catalog item

If you want to add custom DataGroup data to existing MicroStation elements or cells, it may be that the Catalog Type you need does not already exist. For example, let’s say you want to report on or quantify an old MicroStation 3D cladding model, there is no “Cladding” DataGroup Type. Here’s how you would create it...

13th of July 2012

Practical Architectural Modelling by Nigel Davies published

Nigel Davies has recently written “Practical Architectural Modelling with AECOsim Building Designer”, a step-by-step introduction to BIM using of Bentley’s AECOsim Building Designer. This book is designed for both new and experienced architects and engineers. It covers the design of a BIM project from start to finish, providing the reader with a basic knowledge of individual aspects of AECOsim Building Designer and acting as a stand-alone reference guide.

‘Practical Architectural Modelling’ provides both a quick reference guide to the use of each tool and a progressive learning path for modelling and delivering a BIM-based construction project. Each clearly categorised chapter is broken down into short and easy to follow tasks covering what you, as a designer, need to become quickly and successfully productive using AECOsim Building Designer. It focusses on practical, pragmatic advice, working through real examples of the challenges you may face when dealing with new BIM methodologies.

Stacked with shortcuts and administration tips throughout the exercises, ‘Practical Architectural Modelling’ provides the level of detail necessary to ensure you make the most of Bentley’s AECOsim Building Designer. Always with an eye on “the bigger picture” at all stages of a project, from early concept design through to focussed construction documentation, the experienced advice contained in this book will help you transition to the process of Building Information Modelling and maximise the potential of your design data.

Published by Bentley Institute Press, it is now available in a special limited edition "advanced copy" from Bentley's website.

by Nigel Davies, 1st of June 2012

Summarising schedules in Excel

You can export MicroStation Tag reports or Bentley Architecture DataGroup data to Excel. This means you can use the raw data to produce reports and summaries that are not easily possible otherwise. If you are going to use any of Excel’s capabilities, you need to make sure that you have set your templates up in a certain way. This article uses an example to highlight one approach to using Excel effectively...

8th of July 2011

Coordinating BIM coordinates

The problem: You need to coordinate the AutoCAD, MicroStation and Revit files so that they all reference in the same coordinate space...

21st of April 2011

Introduction to solid modelling

Edwin Prakoso takes you through steps to create a 3d solid and modify it.

by Edwin Prakoso, 25th of March 2011

GC Palm tree Tutorial

Martin takes you through creating a unique set of palm trees with endless flexibility as each model could be changed within seconds by the modification of any parameter.

11th of March 2011