Monday, December 29, 2008

Metal Wood Framer for Revit Structure

If anyone has used the following tool, I would appreciate your feedback

From StrucSoft Solutions

First wall panelizer running on Autodesk Revit Platform for wood and Light Guage metal construction. MWF is a template driven application that recognizes Revit walls, doors, windows and openings. Automatically generates Stud arrangements, shop drawings, Cut List and CNC output. Integrated engineering option available.

* Runs on Revit Structure 2009 platform.
* Rules based template driven software.
* Auto detects Revit walls, windows, doors and openings.
* Internal, external, bearing, nonbearing and curtain walls.
* Rectangular and gabled roof lines.
* Horizontal and vertical wall sectioning.
* Models panel stud arrangements based on user defined preferences.
* Models extra studding around openings based on user defined preferences.
* Models internal and external sheathing based on user defined preferences.
* Models bearing beams based on user defined preferences.
* Models internal and external bracing base on user defined preferences.
* Automatically assigns panel numbering and shape labeling.
* Automatically generates NC output for StudMeister and Howick roll former machines.
* Automatically generates 2D layout views dimensioned and annotated.
* Automatically generates B.O.M./cut list.
* Engeineering option available

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Off Topic - Breast Cancer Research

My girlfriend ask me to post this information in hopes that other women would participate.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT TO GO BEYOND A CURE!
The Love/Avon Army of Women offers a revolutionary new opportunity for YOU to partner with research scientists to move us beyond a cure.

Breast cancer has been around for decades, but it does not have to be our future. We can be the generation that eliminates breast cancer by identifying what causes this disease and stopping it before it starts. This is your chance to be part of the research that will end breast cancer. Sign up for your sister, mother, daughter, granddaughter, best friend, and the woman you met last week.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Revit vs ArchiCAD vs MicroStation

I found this document on Revit vs ArchiCAD vs Microstation. The document is pro-Revit, so the reader should be aware of that before passing judgment on any of the products.

Revit vs Archicad vs Microstation

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Performance Brief: Autodesk Revit Architecture and Riverbed Steelhead

Revit Brief - V3

Testing: Revit Architecture 2008 and 2009 with Riverbed Steelhead Appliance and Steelhead Mobile

For those that are interested, here is the application performance tests of Revit Architecture using Steelhead and Steelhead mobile. I have been using the Riverbed Steelhead appliance and Steelhead Mobile on my laptop and they have been performing extremely well.

These results were presented at Autodesk University 2008.
Revit 2008 and 2009 Performance Tests_SH and SHM_12.01.08

Monday, December 22, 2008

Hotfix - Autodesk Network License Manager IPv6 Support

Hotfix - Autodesk Network License Manager IPv6 Support


Published date: 2008-Dec-10
ID: DL10976858

Applies to:
AutoCAD® 2009
AutoCAD® Architecture 2009
AutoCAD® Civil 3D® 2009
AutoCAD® Electrical 2009
AutoCAD® Land Desktop 2009
AutoCAD® Map 3D 2009
AutoCAD® Mechanical 2009
AutoCAD® MEP 2009
AutoCAD® P&ID 2009
AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite 2009
AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite 2009
AutoCAD Revit Structure Suite 2009
Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2009
Autodesk® Inventor™ Professional 2009
Autodesk® Inventor® Routed Systems Suite 2009
Autodesk® Inventor™ Simulation Suite 2009
Autodesk® Inventor™ Suite 2009
Autodesk® NavisWorks® Manage 2009
Autodesk® Productstream™ 2009
Autodesk® Topobase™ 2009
Autodesk® VIZ 2009
Revit® Architecture 2009
Revit® MEP 2009
Revit® Structure 2009

This update enables the Autodesk Network License Manager to support IPv6 networks using Microsoft® Windows® Server 2008, Windows Vista® 32-bit and Windows Vista® 64-bit.

Important:

  • This version of the Autodesk Network License Manager does not support early return of borrowed licenses.
  • This implementation only supports a mixed IPv4 and IPv6 environment. This implementation does not support network license checkouts in an IPv6-only environment.
nlmipv6support_win32.exe (exe - 2649Kb)
Readme (htm - 9Kb)
nlmipv6support_win64.exe (exe - 2810Kb)
Readme (htm - 9Kb)

Hotfix - Redundant License Server

Hotfix - Redundant License Server


Published date: 2008-Dec-10
ID: DL12183344

Applies to:
AutoCAD® 2009
AutoCAD® Architecture 2009
AutoCAD® Civil 3D® 2009
AutoCAD® Electrical 2009
AutoCAD® Land Desktop 2009
AutoCAD® Map 3D 2009
AutoCAD® Mechanical 2009
AutoCAD® MEP 2009
AutoCAD® P&ID 2009
AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite 2009
AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite 2009
AutoCAD Revit Structure Suite 2009
Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2009
Autodesk® Inventor™ Professional 2009
Autodesk® Inventor™ Routed Systems Suite 2009
Autodesk® Inventor™ Simulation Suite 2009
Autodesk® Inventor™ Suite 2009
Autodesk® NavisWorks® Manage 2009
Autodesk® Productstream™ 2009
Autodesk® Topobase™ 2009
Autodesk® VIZ 2009
Revit® Architecture 2009
Revit® MEP 2009
Revit® Structure 2009
nlmipv4support_win32.exe (exe - 676Kb)
Readme (htm - 7Kb)

This hotfix repairs a problem with the configuration of the redundant license server causing servers to stop when the master server has been changed twice. This hotfix applies to any 2009 or earlier products that use network licensing.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Reseller Revit Tools

I think it is very interesting that we are now seeing resellers starting to develop tools for Revit. Does this mean that these particular resellers have a real knowledge of the product? I can't say, but all things being equal, I think I would move my contract to a reseller that offered an additional service like this from one that did not, IF the resellers were equal in all other ways. The first tool is from Avatech. I have not used it yet, but I will report my findings after testing.

The Standards Manager for the Autodesk Revit Platform

BIMreviewTM is the first and only plug-in for the Autodesk® Revit® platform that automatically validates the accuracy and consistency of building information models against project, firm, national or user-defined standards and provides automatic correction.

Eliminate time spent manually reviewing and auditing projects. Reduce time spent prepping and verifying that your project is ready for energy analysis and adheres to the specific standards that your project demands.

CHECK, CORRECT and MANAGE

  • Check the accuracy, completeness and consistency of your Revit® BIM, as well as models received from others, against project, firm, national, or user-defined standards.
  • Automatically correct with a single click.
  • Get clear instructions on how to correct any errors that can’t be fixed automatically.
  • Comes pre-loaded with GSA Spatial Program validation, National CAD Standard V4, and a collection of pre-established standards.
  • Customize it-create naming conventions, parameter values, graphic standards, energy standards, and more.
  • Get easy-to-understand reports presented in clear, concise language.
  • Support best practices for BIM standards in use at your firm. Identify areas for improvement by running individual project reports as you work.
  • BIMreviewTM Plus includes a batch version to check multiple Revit® models and folders.

BIMreview is available as a download-only product. Purchase it to run on individual or linked models, or buy BIMreview Plus to batch-process multiple files and folders.

BIMreview $995 BIMreview Plus $1295
Annual Maintenance $250


Find out more

pdf BIMreview - Product Brochure
pdf BIMreview - FAQ

Monday, December 8, 2008

Revit MEP Web Update 3

Web Update #3 Service Pack – November 2008


Important Note:
Web Update #3 is not a full install; rather it is using Service Pack technology similar to AutoCAD® based products. Prior to installing the Web Update #3 Service pack, please verify that you have already installed the First Customer Ship build or Web Update #1 build of Revit MEP 2009. The Web Update #1 full install is available below.

Before You Download
Please read before downloading and installing:
Service Pack Readme (pdf).

Get Started
Read all instructions above, then click one of the following links to download.

Revit MEP 2009 Web Update #3 Service Pack (32-bit)
(exe – 431 MB)

Revit MEP 2009 Web Update #3 Service Pack (64-bit)(exe - 54 MB)

Notes:

  • The service pack contains changes from all previous service packs.
  • The service pack can be applied to both the standalone and suite versions of Revit MEP 2009.

Revit Architecture 2009 Web Update 3

Web Update #3 Service Pack – November 2008

Important Note:
Web Update #3 is not a full install; rather it is using Service Pack technology similar to AutoCAD® based products. Prior to installing the Web Update #3 Service pack, please verify that you have already installed a previous build of Revit Architecture 2009. The full install of Revit Architecture 2009 (32-bit) Web Update #1 is available below. The full install of Revit Architecture 2009 (64-bit) can be downloaded from the Subscription Center.

Before You Download

Please read before downloading and installing:
Service Pack Readme (pdf).

Get Started

Read all instructions above then click the appropriate link to download.

Revit Architecture 2009 Web Update #3 Service Pack (32-bit) (exe - 128 MB)

Revit Architecture 2009 Web Update #3 Service Pack (64-bit) (exe - 54 Mb)

Notes:

  • The service pack contains changes from all previous Web Updates.
  • The service pack can be applied to both the standalone and Suite versions of Revit Architecture 2009.
  • Sunday, December 7, 2008

    Revit Structure Web Update 3

    From BIM & BEAM

    New Web Update 3 build of Revit Structure 2009 (20081118_1045) is now available on the Web!

    Dear Revit Structure users,

    1) I am pleased to announce that our structural product team has just released the English version of Web Update 3 for Revit Structure 2009 (Build 20081118_1045) and it is now LIVE at:

    www.autodesk.com/revitstructure-downloads

    2) Web Update 3 is also using the Service Pack technology and will be for English version only. All localized versions of Web Update 3 will use the previous Full Install method, but we will continue to improve the service pack technology for all languages in the future release of Revit Structure. Also, we are currently working to release the localized Web Update 3 over the next several weeks.

    3) Before you install the English Web Update 3 Service Pack, please make sure that you read carefully the entire “Service Pack Readme (pdf)” as it will explain how to use the Service Pack as well as its current limitations.

    4) Here is the list of improvements made in the current Web Update 3 build (20081118_1045):

    Revit® Structure 2009 Enhancements

    View break no longer causes brace elements to be offset unexpectedly when exporting to DWG.

    Improves stability during export to DWFx when font doesn't exist on computer.

    Revit® Platform Enhancements

    Slab Edges when joined to their hosting Slab/Floor will now be able to cut the floor when the user

    manually remakes the join.

    Improves IFC Export for Walls and MEP elements.

    Improves stability when using the Split tool.

    Improves stability when using Temporary Hide/Isolate functionality in 3D view.

    Improves stability when binding a linked Revit file into a project.

    Improves stability when switching between views.

    Improves stability when selecting any of the column headers on the CAD Formats tab of the Manage Links dialog.

    Thank you

    Wai Chu

    Thursday, December 4, 2008

    HNTB and Solibri

    Press Release


    HNTB Architecture Inc. extends BIM capabilities by executing a firm-wide implementation of Solibri Model Checker v5.

    Las Vegas, NV, December 3, 2008 - HNTB Architecture Inc. has selected the Solibri Model Checker v5 technology as part of its corporate initiative to advance the practice of BIM. “We are committed to BIM and are always exploring ways to improve the consistency and quality of our processes. Using the Solibri Model Checker will allow us to establish an internal BIM quality assurance program, where we can dramatically extend our model analysis capabilities, throughout the organization”, said Phil Read, VP and Director of Technology at HNTB Architecture.

    Jonathan Widney, CEO of Solibri LLC (the US HQ of Solibri) stated, “HNTB Architecture is regarded as a leader in BIM and Solibri is a company that is totally dedicated to improving the quality of BIM analysis. This will allow us to work together to advance the BIM process and practices. We will continue to provide market leading BIM solutions, incorporating the needs and enhancement requests of valued customers like HNTB.”

    For Solibri

    Solibri, Inc. was established in 1999 to develop and market solutions that improve the quality of Building Information Modeling and make the entire design process more productive. Solibri is well recognized as the pioneer in providing out of the box software that automates the BIM Model Checking, Design Review, Analysis, and Code Checking process. Solibri’s customers include building owners and users, construction companies, architects and engineering firms.
    For more information about Solibri, please visit www.solibri.com.

    For HNTB Architecture Inc.
    HNTB Architecture Inc. serves aviation, private, education, federal and local government clients across the nation. The employee-owned firm's design professionals provide comprehensive architecture services ranging from planning to design to construction services.
    For more information about HNTB Architecture Inc., visit www.hntbarchitecture.com.

    Revit Assessment Test

    Yesterday at Autodesk University I had the pleasure of getting a demo if the CADSmart Revit Assessment or Skills testing tool. The test essentially has the user complete a series of Revit tasks, be it modeling, annotating, etc. The models that the testee generates a report. The testing modules in the tool today are rather elementary, but the great thing about this software is the ability to customize the tests.

    Another nice feature of the tool is that the reporting mechanism is linked to a tool from CADLearning. Based on the users score from the assessment test, a list of lessons from the CADLearning library will be presented to help direct the student to lessons they should focus on.

    For anyone interested, I think the CADSmart tool has an incredible amount of potential. It will definately help us deliver better training. I like the technology and structure of the CADLearning tools, but I am not so impressed with the course material, but you do have the ability to remove CADLearning lessons and load your own.

    Is anyone using Deep Space for analytics? https://www.deepspacesync.com/