Category: BIM Services

Unlocking Precise Cost Estimation in Archicad is possible

Archicad User Group Meeting SA - Unlocking Precise Cost Estimation in Archicad

In this Archicad User Group Meeting, South Africa - July 2024, hosted by TotalCAD Solution Centre, presenter Francois Swanepoel shows local Archicad users that Unlocking Precise Cost Estimation in Archicad is possible & not that complex to achieve. Here Francois uses the "Archicad SA Open Tewmplate" made available by Arcdre' Steynberg as a free & lean, base Archicad template for everyone to use & customize to their own needs.

Also download the demo files that he uses in this live meeting (links below).

To learn more about these workflows & solutions, read more at the buttons below.

Download Demo Files

trainBIM

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Scan2BIM digital survey & As-Built 3D Models in Archicad

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Scan2BIM digital survey & conversion to As-Built 3D Models in Archicad

In this Archicad User-Group Meeting, South Africa - June 2022, hosted by TotalCAD Solution Centre, presenters Francois & Hendrik Swanepoel shows how they use Archicad in their complete Scan2BIM workflows to create As-Built 3D Models in Archicad from digital LiDAR surveys & Point Cloud files of existing buildings & structures.

To learn more about these workflows & solutions, read more at the buttons below.

Scirrus - Scan2BIM

trainBIM

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Archicad & IFC Translator workflow

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Archicad & IFC Translator workflow

Let's take a quick look at Archicad & IFC Translator workflows.

Working with IFC & OpenBIM Standards can be a wormhole that consumes a lot of our resources. Learning about ISO 19650, COBie & other standards, capabilities & limitations of Archicad & Revit, exploring practical implementation options, all the different use cases & their specific requirements, EIR, LION, BEP... the list goes on & on.

But that's not what this article is about, however relevant & important all these aspects may be.

Here I want to give you the aspects I consider to be the most important & effective for Archicad users to implement for success in collaborative IFC workflows.

When we do our first IFC export & import, it's best to simply take one of the standard, built in IFC Translators in Archicad and only tweak those settings (there are many) that you may need to for any export / import.

The only real way to get any consistently clean IFC imports & exports is by testing & refining.

Important things to note:

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What does your BIM look like just before 2019 starts

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What does your BIM look like, just before 2019 starts. . .?

I recently studied this extremely insightful annual report by Matthew Duder (Managing Director of EBOSS):
NZ BIM Benchmark Survey 2018 Results Report
www.eboss.co.nz/detailed/building-industry-insight/nz-bim-benchmark-survey-2018-results-released

The publication part 5 of 5 annual report on 22 Nov. 2018 could not be more timely for most that has a keen interest in the results such a study produces and particularly what it would mean for their own planning and business strategies. In business and personal life, the end of one and the start of a new year is a particular time for reflecting back to the challenges and successes of the year past and for re-focusing and planning for achieving more in the year to come.

Although it's specific to New Zeeland, it actually addresses universal trends. As a BIM consultant and advocate (from South Africa) I've been reading, listening and watching (also talking and doing) for very long and AEC industries across the globe share aspirations and are facing the same challenges, more or less in the same areas. The patterns repeat themselves.

fusionBIM review - NZ BIM Benchmark Survey 2018 Results Report

The benefits of full lifecycle BIM are very real (to all stakeholders involved), achievable (at project relevant levels) and proven (although in isolated pockets of "bravehearts" - valid none the less).

For us on the BIM side of the "fence" it makes no sense why so many are still on the "other side". Why is everybody not joining the "wave" and change over to operate the "BIM-way"?

In short, my take on this question is this:
- Technology is "scary",
- fear drives resistance to change,
- contentment with status quo,
- financial constraints.

This is actually a very positive, inspirational document for us all at the edge of 2019...
especially for the Design and Construction industry in Africa

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Choosing the best CAD/BIM tool for the job

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Choosing the best CAD/BIM tool for the job is an infinite endeavor...

All over the world, in all spheres and industries we find a few universal or burning questions that repeatedly comes up exactly the same, decade after decade, year after year.

I recently stumbled across a video on YouTube trying to answer one such question that keeps burning up the minds, screens and internet lines of Architects and Engineers in the AEC Industry.

"Revit vs ArchiCAD - Which is Better?!?"

This YouTube video was posted July 2018 and to date has 270+ comments (the number of views are not really important). The fact that the video fails to even attempt to answer the question was disappointing.

What is important and valuable to me in this conversation though, is the common thread in what people are saying in these comments.

fusionBIM review of Revit vs ArchiCAD - Which is Better?

No matter in what field of the AEC Industry we work or where our products or services fits into a project lifecycle. We all have to find the answer to this key question: "which software will be the best CAD/BIM tool for the job I have to do"

But is this the correct question to ask? Well let's see if we can find some answers that would make some real sense.

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Successful BIM Implementation with fusionBIM

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Successful BIM Implementation with fusionBIM

Real estate has always been a solid investment, and the development of it has therefor enabled the construction industry to become an important contributor to the GDP. By establishing proper Building Lifecycle Management (BLM) practices, the investment can be protected and grown.

The risks during the design, construction and management phases, stem mostly from a lack of efficient communication and management of data. Examples include:

Incomplete data during design phase leads to incomplete data during construction, which leads to incomplete data during maintenance.
Lack of national legislation and standards keeping up with the development of the industry.
Unrealistic project timelines not allowing the team to thoroughly investigate the design.
Inefficient co-ordination between the different disciplines lead to on-site corrections and costly downtime during construction.

"BIM is an innovative and collaborative way of working that is underpinned by digital technologies which unlock more efficient methods of designing, creating and maintaining our built environment. In essence BIM embeds key product and asset data within a series of 3D computer models that can be used for effective management of information throughout the project lifecycle from earliest inception through to occupation. It has been described as a game-changing ICT and cultural process for the construction sector." RICS

At fusionBIM we fuse Architecture, Technologies, Best Practice with insight to help AEC stakeholders from Design to Construction to exploit the full benefit Building Information Management "BIM" on real building projects.
Delivering results through BIM to Building Industry partners.
> Improved Productivity > Predictable Results > Better Profitability.

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chatBIM

chatBIM Blog
On this page we post articles about BIM development, Webinar, Training, Workshops, User Group Meetings, Tips & Trick, Tutorials, Software & Updates, Technology, BIM standards, Project Case Studies, Reviews & interviews and more.

chatBIM Workshop
Events that we host for our Members e.g. launching of new product versions, live demos, etc.
View Calendar

chatBIM Talk
Events that are hosted by third parties. At times we will be speakers at these events.
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Unlocking Precise Cost Estimation in Archicad is possible

​Archicad User Group Meeting SA - Unlocking Precise Cost Estimation in Archicad

Scan2BIM digital survey & As-Built 3D Models in Archicad

​Scan2BIM digital survey & conversion to As-Built 3D Models in Archicad

Archicad & IFC Translator workflow

Archicad & IFC Translator workflow

What does your BIM look like just before 2019 starts

What does your BIM look like, just before 2019 starts. . .?

Choosing the best CAD/BIM tool for the job

Choosing the best CAD/BIM tool for the job is an infinite endeavor...

Successful BIM Implementation with fusionBIM

Successful BIM Implementation with fusionBIM

chatBIM

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Archicad User Group Meeting SA - Unlocking Precise Cost Estimation in Archicad

Scan2BIM digital survey & conversion to As-Built 3D Models in Archicad