Meeting Cancellation - August 6th | Eddy Krygiel of BNIM speaking on Sustainable Design and Green BIM

The meeting on Wednesday, August 6th, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm has been canceled and will be re-scheduled at a later date.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Extensions for Revit Architecture Released

Revit Architecture subscriptions customers can now download Revit Extentions for Revit Architecture. These extensions are a subset of the extensions that were previously available only to Revit Structure subscription customers.

Revit Extensions for Revit Architecture 2009

Revit Extensions are a series of easy-to-use applications that extend the capabilities of Revit Architecture 2009 software in key areas, including modeling, coordination, and documentation. Specifically, the extensions provided in this executable file are: Grid Generator, Freeze Drawings, Compare Models, Text Generator, Elements Positioning, and Microsoft Excel®-based Model Generation.

To access the new content, log into the Subscription Center, scroll down to "Product Information & Downloads" section and click on "Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC): Product Modules & Add-ons". Under "Architectural Solutions" click on "Revit Architecture 2009".

MEP Analysis Extension for AutoCAD MEP/Revit MEP Now Available

From labs.blogs.com

To support our vision for Building Information Modeling and strengthen our portfolio of sustainable design solutions, Autodesk has packaged 25 useful utilities for energy efficiency in a "green" MEP Analysis Extension. I was thrilled to post the extension for download free of charge on the Autodesk Labs site. The MEP Analysis Extension helps engineers reduce costs as well as energy and environmental impact while improving the performance of building systems. The MEP Analysis Extension operates with AutoCAD MEP 2009 and Revit MEP 2009.

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/mep_analysis_extension/

The MEP Analysis Extension calculates cooling and heating loads for commercial and residential buildings, U-Values, and psychrometric properties of air. Running these types of ventilation calculations through the MEP Analysis Extension saves time and improves accuracy, potentially saving thousands of dollars and kilowatts of electricity. The MEP Analysis Extension also contains utilities for sizing duct work, piping, and HVAC systems - helping engineers and architects identify the most appropriate building equipment early in the design cycle.

The MEP Analysis Extension is chock full of useful utilities:

Calculations
Single-state psychrometric calculations
Mixed-air psychrometric calculations
Duct sizing calculations
ASHRAE duct fitting pressure loss calculations
Rule-of-thumb commercial HVAC load calculations
Simple residential/light commercial HVAC load calculations
Swimming pool heating calculations
U-value calculations

Sizing
General pipe sizing
Hot/chilled water pipe sizing
Steam pipe sizing
Low pressure gas pipe sizing
High pressure gas pipe sizing
Refrigerant pipe sizing

Analysis
Fan cost analysis
Fan curve analysis
Pump curve analysis

Utilities
Wire sizing utility
Glass moisture condensation
Metric-English converter
gbXML parser

So if you are an AutoCAD MEP or Revit MEP user, check out this extension and let us know what you think: labs.mep.analysis@autodesk.com . When you do, please mention if you are an AutoCAD MEP or Revit MEP user. I am curious to see which group is more talkative. :-) If you like these tools, please let us know. If you do not, also please let us know. Your feedback shapes the future of our technologies. The extension will run through October 31, 2008. Happy Halloween.

Adding more and more to our arsenal of free utilities to garner your feedback is alive in the lab.

Drafting Department Head

Have you ever wanted to do projects “the right way”, but the drafting department standards and practices were set up by someone in 1976? All of the technology in the field has changed. Engineering techniques are changing daily. Shouldn’t drafting department procedures recognize that it is 2008? Structural Modeling & Analysis is a small structural engineering company located in Midtown, Kansas City, Missouri. We are a growing company dedicated to staying on the cutting edge in regard to structural engineering practices, design techniques and standards. We provide our clients the highest quality of work. Utilizing the latest software, techniques, and training, our standard is to send out complete, constructible drawings, on time, every time. We use Revit Structure. We are looking for a motivated, organized drafting department head. This person will be responsible for establishing the drafting department and developing the standards that will be in force going forward. Now you can set it up to run as smoothly as you’ve always hoped.

Position information and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
JOB TITLE: Drafting Department Head
LOCATION: Kansas City, Missouri
EXPERIENCE: Revit Structure and at least four years of experience with AutoCAD.
JOB REQUIREMENTS: Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
We are looking for an experienced Drafting Supervisor who has a minimum of:

• Five years drafting experience.
• Experience preparing Revit Structure and AutoCAD structural drawings using structural steel, reinforced concrete and masonry. Knowledge of wood and light gage metal is a plus.
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate with other design disciplines.
• Qualified candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.
Skills we are looking for include:

• Capable of training and coaching employees.
• Strong knowledge of drafting processes and procedures.
• Strong math aptitude and computer skills.
• Good use of English language for written and verbal communications.
• Excellent problem solving skills and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.


Duties in this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Supervise the day to day work of the drafting department in an efficient manner.
• Lead the department in developing and maintaining drafting standards.
• Coordinate with Engineering to continuously improve the constructability of Structural Modeling & Analysis’ design.
• Evaluate, train, and develop department personnel.
• Design layout and detailed documents.
• Support design efforts with timely and accurate completion of contract drawings.
• Participate in project meetings and design reviews.
• Provide input on hardware acquisitions
• Review fabricator and supporting drafting personnel drawings for conformance to design specifications and standards.
• Provide scheduling input, hour and material estimates, drawing/document control and other coordination to fulfill contract requirements.
• Interact with project team members to transmit drawings or related material.

We offer a progressive atmosphere and a full benefits package including:

• Great compensation, commiserate with experience/ability
• Flexible scheduling
• Company provided laptop and express card
• SIMPLE IRA plan with matching contribution (up to 3.0%)
• Vacation, flex holidays(employee directed), and paid time off
• Medical insurance with subsidized health savings account
• Tuition and book reimbursement

For consideration, please forward your resume in confidence to:
Structural Modeling & Analysis
4741 Central, #515
Kansas City, Missouri 64112
Structural Modeling & Analysis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

New Web Update 1 build of Revit Structure 2009 (20080602_1900) is now available on the Web!

Dear Revit Structure users,

I would like to inform you that we have just released the English version of Web Update 1 of Revit Structure 2009 (Build 20080602_1900) for users to download. The new build can be found under the Revit Structure 2009 English product download page:

www.autodesk.com/revitstructure-downloads

P.S. The other languages version of Web Update 1 will be available in the next couple of weeks only as we are still working on it.

This new build has improved several Structure, Platform and API specific issues which are documented in the Web Update Enhancement List (pdf). In any case, I am including and copying/pasting the list in this blog for you as well:

Web Update Enhancement List
Improvements made in Web Update 1 build (20080602_1900):
Structure enhancement
· Improves stability during upgrade when line-based and structural framing families with geometry containing planes are almost parallel to the X axis.
· Floor slab thickness at cantilever of metal deck profile bound to layer above is now correct.
· Reduces the recurrence of getting “circular chain of references” error messages when braces are used as the top and bottom chords of an API assembled truss.
· Improves joist girder families and tags.
· Improves the fidelity of printing and exporting of hidden lines shown in structural and MEP views.
· Section cut through joined beams at a column will now display properly in the beams cross-section.
· Line pattern of a level type for the default metric structural templates is now changed to "Center" from "Solid".
· Elevation value of Level 1 in structural metric templates no longer displays as "-0".
· Some pre-loaded UK metal deck profiles have been renamed with manufacturer product names in the Structural Analysis-DefaultGBRENU.rte.
· Restores some structural components in SouthAsiaLibrary content bundle.
Platform enhancement
· Improves the plotting consistency of certain components that are placed over hatched elements in coordination and architectural discipline views.
· Spot elevation with Display Elevation = Top & Bottom Elevation will now report the correct bottom elevation for sloped elements.
· In plan view with medium or fine detail level, spot elevations now report the correct top or bottom elevation of a beam that is joined to a column.
· Improves stability when changing the visibility of a link in a view template.
· Improves stability when exporting to CAD formats.
· Improves stability when closing SteeringWheels.
· Improves stability when adding elements to a group.
· Families that contain arrayed voids will now function properly in the project.
· Improves stability for users with non-English operating systems when using the Open/Save dialog.
· Notes created in Revit for a DWF markup object will now propagate to the DWF after selecting publish.
· Corrects “Unable to Start” error when starting the application.
· Model lines now remain in the correct design option when split.
· Structural columns will now have a higher priority when joined to non-bearing and shear walls.
· For sweeps on an arc wall, you now have the option to change sweep returns.
· When rendering, the progress bar reports correct percent complete.
· Lights that were in a light group that was deleted are no longer controlled by the deleted light group; instead they are controlled by the Ungrouped Lights status.
· Improves the ability to enter custom DPI value in the Render dialog.
· Enabling daylight portals will now affect the rendered appearance.
· Spotting on interior renderings with many internal light sources no longer occurs.
API enhancement
· Parameter binding performance has been improved.
· The JoinType method has been implemented for the LocationCurve of structural members.
· Mullion LocationCurves are now accessible through the API.
· External programs may now suppress VSTA startup warning messages.
· The built-in parameter MATERIAL_PARAM_TRANSPARENCY now returns the correct set value.

Revit Structure Basics e-Learning

Subscription members, as part of your benefits, you can download the following through the Subscription Center or via the Communication Center located in the Info Center within the product.

Building Information Modeling

This lesson describes building information modeling (BIM).

Exploring the User Interface

This lesson describes how to use different parts of the Revit Structure user interface. You begin the lesson by learning about the parts of the user interface and the steps to display and hide the tabs on the Design Bar. Next, you learn some recommended practices for exploring the user interface. The lesson concludes with an exercise on exploring the different parts of the user interface of the software.

Working with Revit Elements and Families

This lesson describes how to work with different types of structural elements and families. You begin the lesson by learning about structural elements and families. Next, you learn some recommended practices for working with them. The lesson concludes with an exercise on working with structural elements and families.

Working with Views

This lesson describes how to work with the different views listed in the Project Browser. You begin the lesson by learning about views and the use of view parameters. Then, you learn about the steps for creating a dependent view and some recommended practices for working with views. The lesson concludes with an exercise on exploring and creating views.

Controlling Object Visibility

This lesson describes how to control the visibility and graphical representation of objects in a structural model. You begin the lesson by learning about controlling object visibility and graphical representation. Then, you learn the steps to modify line styles to control object visibility and use filters. Next, you learn some recommended practices for controlling object visibility. The lesson concludes with an exercise on controlling object visibility.

Working with Elevation and Section Views

This lesson describes how to work with elevation and section views. You begin the lesson by learning about elevation and section views. Next, you learn the steps to control the visibility of elevation and section tags. You also learn some recommended practices for creating elevation and section views. The lesson concludes with an exercise on working with elevation and section views.

Working with 3D Views

This lesson describes how to work with 3D views. You begin the lesson by learning about 3D views and cameras and how to navigate through a 3D view. Next, you learn the steps to create and modify 3D views and change the material properties of elements in a 3D view. You also learn about some recommended practices for working with 3D views. The lesson concludes with an exercise on working with 3D views.

Starting a Project

This lesson describes how to set up a project and transfer standards between projects. A project is the database of information for the design of a building model. It includes the entire structural design and the associated documentation. You set up a project before you start creating a building model. You also need to learn how to organize your content on levels, load in content families, and set up annotations to match company standards. All these requirements can be met by setting up template files.

Adding and Modifying Levels

This lesson describes how to add and modify levels in a structural model. Levels are finite horizontal planes that act as references in a structural model for level-hosted elements such as roofs and floors. You can also use levels to define the vertical extents of walls and the vertical placement of elements such as beams and columns.

Creating and Modifying Grids

This lesson describes how to add and modify grids. Grids form the basic framework in a structural model. Grid lines are displayed on structural plans specifically for locating columns and beams.

Working with Structural Columns

This lesson describes how to work with structural columns. Structural columns are load-bearing elements having type and instance parameters. Before adding columns in a structural plan, you create a grid. You then add structural columns relative to grid intersections. By default, only a few column sizes are loaded into a project. For additional column sizes, you can load columns from the structural column libraries to the project template. You can create new structural column types by duplicating an existing column type and specifying the dimensions and other parameters.

Working with Structural Walls

This lesson describes how to create new wall types, create structural walls in a plan view, and add footings and pilasters. Structural walls resist gravity and seismic forces and are designed and scheduled accordingly. During the design phase, you add structural walls to the structural model that act as placeholders for the height and width of actual walls. You can modify predefined structural walls or use them as templates to create new custom wall types. After creating structural walls, you add footings and pilasters at the base of the walls to provide support. You can also create stepped walls and stepped footings by placing individual walls, each with its top and base elevation set based on the requirements.

Adding Floor Framing

This lesson describes how to add floor framing to a structural model by adding beams. Floor framing is a collection of elements such as girders and beams that support a floor system. Floor framing is generally supported primarily by framing members such as walls and columns. Beams are floor framing elements that form the primary support structure for the floor. In certain projects, you need to use beam webs or flanges to represent openings in a structural model. These openings allow passage of ducts, pipes, or other construction elements.

How to find e-learning

www.autodesk.com/subscriptionlogin
select "Learning Resources" from left hand navigation menu
select www.autodesk.com/subscriptionhelp View e-Learning Catalog
select product
select version
Members who have lost or do not know if they are on Subscription

Please fill out the form located here

Members who do not have Subscription and want to learn more

www.autodesk.com/susbcription

New Feature Releases Now Available for Autodesk Subscription Customers July 11th

Special thanks always go out to Shaan Hurley for providing this information on his Between the Lines blog.

Subscription customers can download these releases including a cornucopia of e-Learning content via the Subscription Center.

AutoCAD® 2009
An Introduction to Programming in AutoCAD Video Tutorial

AutoCAD® Architecture 2009
UK Content Tools

AutoCAD® Civil 3D® 2009
Land Desktop Companion
Site Design - Parcels e-Learning
Site Design - Profiles e-Learning
Site Design - Grading and Quantities e-Learning
Site Design – Alignments e-Learning
Site Design - Assemblies and Corridors e-Learning
Creating an Intersection: Peer Roads e-Learning
An Introduction to Programming in Civil 3D Video Tutorial

AutoCAD® Map 3D
Survey Tools
Industry Kits for Water and Wastewater
Linking and Managing Drawing-Based Attribute Data e-Learning
Working with Geospatial Features e-Learning

AutoCAD® MEP 2009
HVAC Load Calculation Extension
UK Content Tools

AutoCAD® P&ID 2009
Introduction to AutoCAD Process and Power e-Learning

AutoCAD® Revit® Architecture Suite 2009
An Introduction to Programming in Revit Video Tutorial

AutoCAD® Revit® MEP Suite 2009
HVAC Load Calculation Extension
An Introduction to Programming in Revit Video Tutorial
UK Content Tools

AutoCAD® Revit Structure Suite 2009
Reinforcement Content for AutoCAD Structural Detailing 2009
An Introduction to Programming in Revit Video Tutorial
MIDAS/Gen Link

Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2008
HDRI in an Autodesk 3ds Max Pipeline Downloadable DVD
Film Visual Effects in 3ds Max Downloadable DVD
Anaglyph Stereoscopic Techniques Downloadable DVD

Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2009
Lighting Analysis Version Readiness Training
Backburner Version Readiness Training
FBX Interoperability Version Readiness Training
New mental rayTM Features Version Readiness Training
Various New Features Version Readiness Training
Modeling & Texturing Features Version Readiness Training
Autodesk® Impression
Working with Impression e-Learning
Working with Styles e-Learning
Working with Blocks e-Learning
Creating Impression Objects e-Learning

Autodesk® Inventor ®2009
What’s New in Inventor 2009 Part 1 Webcast (Polish Only)
What’s New in Inventor 2009 Part 2 Webcast (Polish Only)
An Introduction to Programming in Inventor Video Tutorial

Autodesk® Maya® 2008
Quadruped Animation Friendly Rigging Part III Downloadable DVD
Hand Sculpting Video Podcast
Arm Rigging Part I Video Podcast
Coloring Particles Part I Video Podcast
Autodesk® Productstream® Professional 2009
Access Control Manager

Revit® Architecture 2009
An Introduction to Programming in Revit Video Tutorial

Revit® Structure 2009
An Introduction to Programming in Revit Video Tutorial

Revit and Memory (RAM) Management

First things first and giving credit where credit is due. I do not recall who provided me with this tip. It may have been Randy Anderson, Phil Read, Daniel Hurtubise or someone else. I do not have that information in my notes. But if I inadvertently have not given credit to the real culprit, please let me know.

If you have used Revit, you probably are well aware that it is a memory hog. I found that I can open a new project and zoom in and out and watch Revit grab more and more RAM. One method to get Revit to release that RAM is to simply minimize the Revit application, wait a second and then maximize it. You can verify this by opening 'Windows Task Manager' and monitor RAM resources used by Revit.

No one from Adesk has been able to explain this to me, including my new boss, Phil Read, but I thought I would pass it along. It has come in handy from time to time when Revit throws up the dialog indicating that RAM is low.

Autodesk Enhances Sustainable Design Capabilities With Acquisitions of Ecotect and Green Building Studio Analysis Tools

Article from Forbes.com

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., June 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As part of its on-going commitment to support the practice of sustainable design and green building in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries, Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) today announced two acquisitions to improve building performance analysis in the building information modeling (BIM) process. Autodesk announced that it has completed the acquisition of substantially all the assets related to the Ecotect software tools for conceptual building performance analysis from both Square One Research Ltd. and Dr. Andrew Marsh. Autodesk also announced that it has completed the acquisition of substantially all the assets of Green Building Studio, Inc., a provider of web-based whole building energy, water and carbon-emission analysis software. Terms of the acquisitions were not disclosed.

"Buildings are a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so to combat climate change it is critical for the building industry to rapidly adopt sustainable design practices that will lead to buildings which are appreciably more efficient and eventually carbon neutral," said Jay Bhatt, senior vice president, Autodesk AEC solutions. "The addition of these tools to our technology portfolio will help make it easier for architects, engineers and designers to understand the impact of their design decisions on building performance earlier in the design process so they can optimize for reduced environmental impact."

The acquisitions of Ecotect and the Green Building Studio assets will support Autodesk's vision to deliver software that enables architects and engineers to design more sustainable projects. With improved building performance analysis capabilities, Autodesk will be uniquely positioned to offer a comprehensive suite of software solutions for sustainable design and analysis, enabling a BIM process that can facilitate cost-effective design and delivery of high-performing, resource-efficient buildings and infrastructure.

Square One Research, Ltd. and Dr. Andrew Marsh, creator of the Ecotect environmental design and analysis tools, are based in Isle of Man. The Ecotect tools can measure how fundamental criteria, such as solar, thermal, shading, lighting, and airflow, will affect building performance in the conceptual and detailed phases of design. Their capability to forecast building performance over time better equips architects and engineers to deliver more energy efficient and sustainable building designs.

"Square One Research and Autodesk share a commitment to using technology to make the design and construction of sustainable, high-performance buildings easier and more efficient," said Dr. Andrew J. Marsh, Co-Founder and Head of Research & Development, Square One Research. "We are pleased to join Autodesk and look forward to helping develop and deliver simple and effective building performance analysis to architects and engineers around the world."

The Autodesk Green Building Studio analysis tools, now available at http://www.autodesk.com/greenbuildingstudio, provide improved design insight through whole building energy, water and carbon-emission analysis, helping architects and designers to maximize building economic and environmental performance. The tools are compatible with Autodesk design software as well as software from other industry providers through the Green Building XML (gbXML) schema and can now be directly accessed from within the Revit platform for BIM with a new plug-in now available for download. Green Building Studio Inc. launched the Green Building Studio web service in 2004.

To read more about how Autodesk and its customers are addressing sustainable design, please visit http://www.autodesk.com/green.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the impact of the acquisition on Autodesk's, product offerings and the performance of its business. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the following: difficulties encountered in integrating merged businesses; whether certain market segments grow as anticipated; the competitive environment in the software industry and competitive responses to the acquisition; and whether the companies can successfully develop new products or modify existing products and the degree to which these gain market acceptance.

Further information on potential factors that could affect the financial results of Autodesk are included in the company's reports on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2008, and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2008 which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit http://www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, and Revit are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

(C) 2008 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO) Press Contact: Noah Cole, +1-415-200-6310 Email: noah.cole@autodesk.com SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

Wii Remote Navigation Add-in for Autodesk Design Review

**Update

If you are using any of the tools from Autodesk LABS and would like to comment on the current tools or have ideas for other tools, please email the LABS at thelabs@autodesk.com.

This is a little of topic, but if you would like to see some other interesting uses for the Wii controller, I would suggest looking at Johnny Chung Lees's website.
_____________

I came across this new tool that the Autodesk Labs has put together. I am not sure of my Dell M90 laptop supports Bluetooth, if it does I will report back my success or failure with this Wii Remote tool for Design Review.
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From http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/wiimote_adr/

Wiimote Navigation Add-in for Autodesk Design Review

At Autodesk Labs we are looking at various forms of human-computer interaction. One of them is multi-touch. Another is hand-held controllers. The Wii Remote™ (or Wiimote for short) is such a device. You can hook up a Wiimote to your Windows computer and interact with your designs using the Wiimote Navigation Add-in for Autodesk Design Review. You hold the Wiimote in your hand, move your hand, and Autodesk Design Review pans, zoom, and orbits your model. Although the Wiimote is normally associated with games, easily interacting with your designs is serious business.

The mapping of Wii buttons to Autodesk Design Review commands is very intuitive. In a mod to our experience with multi-touch using gestures, the Wiimote Navigation Add-in for Autodesk Design Review even includes one gesture - shake your Wiimote and the view of your model resets itself.

// View the Read Me (includes easy step by step instructions for setup)