INFODRAINAGE STANDARD VS ULTIMATE

A drainage design software platform called InfoDrainage makes it possible to create Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), Green Infrastructure, and traditional drainage systems. Both storm and foul networks are supported, permitting 1D and 2D simulations of multiple storms simultaneously.

InfoDrainage comes in two distinct tiers: Standard and Ultimate. InfoDrainage Ultimate offers all the features of the Standard edition in addition to 2D analysis and integration with Civil 3D. These features are discussed in this blog, along with some of the restrictions of the Standard version and, if available, any alternative workflows.

2D ANALYSIS

INFODRAINAGE ULTIMATE

A 2D analysis that shows the depth and speed of the exceedance flows in a plan view can be used to assess the flood danger to property or people during an extreme event.

INFODRAINAGE STANDARD

InfoDrainage Ultimate is the only product that offers this functionality.

CIVIL 3D INTEGRATION

INFODRAINAGE ULTIMATE

Using a special ribbon, which is available for Civil 3D 2020 and later versions; pipe networks, surfaces, and catchments from Civil 3D can be easily exported to InfoDrainage. Parts mapping can be used to choose the InfoDrainage connections and junctions that will substitute the Civil 3D pipes and structures after the network has been exported from Civil 3D as a storm or foul network. If there are numerous iterations between InfoDrainage and Civil 3D, this mapping will be remembered, and templates of this correlation can also be saved for use in other drawings.

In Civil 3D, the import procedure can build a new pipe network or update an existing one, making it easier to synchronise any changes made to the design. If the network in InfoDrainage includes any elements (such as ponds, swales, cellular storage, or open channels) without an equivalent structure or pipe in Civil 3D, those elements will be included in Civil 3D using polylines, feature lines, corridors, and surfaces. Multiple barrel connections are also supported and will appear in Civil 3D as multiple pipes.

INFODRAINAGE STANDARD

InfoDrainage Standard does not include a dedicated ribbon in Civil 3D. Although some InfoDrainage objects can be transferred using an intermediate file format, like AutoCAD, LandXML, or a shape file, it is frequently necessary to manually update and even model those objects in Civil 3D. Additionally, the Standard edition of Civil 3D only allows for manual updating of Civil 3D items (such as pipe diameters or slopes).

Using the Standard version necessitates exporting each object from Civil 3D to an intermediary file format and then importing that file from InfoDrainage, whereas the Ultimate version will export all the objects (pipe networks, surfaces, and catchments) and their properties simultaneously.

For pipe networks and surfaces, it is possible to use the LandXML format. A small inconvenience is that the Pipe and Structure names differ slightly between Civil 3D and InfoDrainage (e.g., "MH1" in Civil 3D vs. "MH1 (SWS)" in InfoDrainage, with "SWS" standing for the network name. Exporting to a CAD format is an option if LandXML does not produce the desired outcomes for the pipe network. This will result in the pipe network being exported to AutoCAD as a 2D polyline, requiring the creation of the pipe network in Civil 3D and the manual entry of the appropriate levels, pipe, and structure sizes.

InfoDrainage Standard does not allow straight import of civil 3D catchments. The Civil 3D model must be exported to an AutoCAD format prior to importing the catchments from that file. Since the catchments will be generated in InfoDrainage from polylines, the catchment names and runoff coefficients must be manually edited to match the values of the Civil 3D catchments.

It is possible to create new objects or change existing ones when importing an InfoDrainage file into a Civil 3D drawing that already exists. The diameters, slopes, and other dimensions of current pipes and structures can all be updated using this. A Civil 3D network can be modified to match the InfoDrainage file by adding new branches or removing old ones. This is not feasible with the Standard version; you would have to manually compare the two networks to look for those changes.

Similar to how you would export them, pipe networks and surfaces can be imported into Civil 3D using the LandXML file. The LandXML file does not contain stormwater controls (such as ponds, swales, cellular storage, etc.) or non-pipe connections (such as channels), so they must be imported separately. They can be imported as 2D polylines from Civil 3D using a shape file. The objects would then need to be modelled using Civil 3D tools. They are brought immediately as 3D objects using feature lines and surfaces by the InfoDrainage Ultimate ribbon.

Using a shape file, catchments can be imported into Civil 3D as 2D polylines. You then need to create each catchment from a polyline, rename them, assign a structure, and update the runoff coefficient using the values from InfoDrainage.

This video provides a quick comparison of these tasks performed in InfoDrainage Standard and Ultimate, or just in InfoDrainage Ultimate if no other workflows are available for the Standard version.

 

Do you need more help in Civil 3D? Take a look at our wide range of Civil 3D courses here. Alternatively, please do not hesitate to contact SYMETRI  on 0345 370 1444 or email us at info@symetri.com for more information. 

How Can We Help You Increase Your Design Productivity

When I considered the recent conversations I had with some of our clients, I was surprised by how many of them are actively looking for suggestions on how to increase productivity. They can generate the models and drawings needed for their projects, and they can do so to a high standard, but they constantly have the same nagging feeling that there must be a better, quicker, or easier approach.

Scheduled or bespoke training 

So, what do you do when your design team has received training on the software and is clearly able to use it to generate the work, but it doesn't seem to be working as efficiently as it should be and some tasks are taking too long?

Symetri offers training on Autodesk software, from a basic Essentials course to more advanced topics. However, sometimes more training isn’t the solution. It gets harder to select the correct training course as you go up to more advanced topics At an advanced level, the topics themselves seem to increase exponentially – and no training course can accommodate every topic – especially not in the amount of detail required.

My first piece of advice is to simply pick up the ‘phone and give us a call on 0345 370 1444. You can ask to speak with one of our consultants if you need to get in touch with a professional for the software you are using, whether it be AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit or something else. The majority of consultants share a similar fundamental character; they enjoy solving problems and find enormous delight in doing so. It benefits both parties when we talk to customers who are having issues because we gain insight and obtain knowledge that we can apply to assist other customers.

If a solution is delayed, we'll present you with a few alternatives. A Workshop may be the best solution if the problem is a technical workflow issue. Unlike training, where the Trainer is providing specific instruction, a workshop is a meeting where all participants will engage in intensive discussion and activity on a particular subject or project. The Consultant will lead the workshop, share their expertise, and collaborate with your teams to identify the ideal solution that matches your particular set of circumstances. These sessions work best with small teams whose members are already proficient with the technology in question. They can cover more than one topic or technology and can be a cost-effective way to improve productivity.

Following an initial conversation with you, our consultants will frequently be able to determine whether implementing a specific workflow or integrating technology solutions can resolve your problems. All is not lost if they don't believe that any in-product or off-the-shelf solutions are available. Most design applications offer some method of customisation. These could range from simple macros to more complex development using a programming interface, and for some issues, such as data transfer across various systems, this might be the only viable solution.

DIY or not?

If customisation is the best solution for your problem, you may either ask us to handle it for you or train your employees to carry out the customisation. The benefit of the DIY method is that your employees will learn how to customise the application, and they can use that knowledge to address other problems down the road; the drawback to this is that it diverts the staff-member from productive work and may not be the best use of resources. If you decide to go with this option, think about letting one of your more junior staff members to take this on. They are often keen to learn and pick things up quickly, and the cost to the business is significantly lower than if a senior designer were to take responsibility.

Many organisations who wish to continuously increase productivity have found success offering training on tools such as Dynamo for Revit or Civil 3D. Such classes can frequently be tailored to provide guidance toward resolving your specific issue.

A Step Up with automation tools

While macros or tools such as Dynamo can offer solutions to many issues, they also have certain drawbacks. One of the problems is that they need maintenance over time, especially with changes in software versions and they frequently don’t get “finished” because there’s always a few bugs and they just don’t ever get fully tested.

While Symetri can also provide more robust bespoke applications for you, written in code and integrated into the application, we would rather direct you to our own technology suites. For instance, our plugin programmes Naviate for Revit and Civil 3D, provide a multitude of time-saving productivity tools. These are continually being updated and may already provide the answers you need. However, one of Naviate’s best features is the community of users who drive the development of the technologies. Since most of the tools in Naviate are based on user requests, if the solution you need is not currently in our toolset, but adding it could also help other users, then we will consider doing just that - and you won’t pay anything extra.

Can’t see the wood for the trees - exploring your processes

Sometimes, the root of your issues won’t be the technology, or how you are using it. It’s possible that productivity is lost due to poor team communication, the structure of the teams, or a disconnect between management and staff. Sometimes the problem may be a lack of consistency in your project management methods.

When everyone is busy on project work, it’s difficult to take a step back and focus on why things aren’t working – sometimes you just can’t see the wood for the trees.

Our consultants have first-hand knowledge of the many diverse organisational structures, both effective and ineffective. We can offer suggestions on how to re-structure your teams to get the most productivity out of them and enhance teamwork. We can also help drive consistency in delivery by providing guidance documentation and training that will get everyone working the same way, improving quality of delivery and de-risking your projects.

Knowledge Transfer

Regardless of the problems you encounter or the method you use to resolve them, you must make sure that the information you have gained will not be lost in the future. No business wants to spend in upskilling their employees, just to have them leave for new opportunities and take their knowledge with them. This situation can be somewhat mitigated by having a plan in place to enable information sharing within the company.

Below are some simple tips to get the most from your investment in knowledge:

·      Toolbox talks

Staff members might be encouraged to share any expertise they have gained during these knowledge-sharing events. They should be scheduled withing regular business hours – this sends a message to staff that it is important to the business and is a part of the business culture.

Mentoring

When new staff join, assign them a mentor. Your expectations for the process should be explained to the Mentor and Mentee. The Mentor should be willing to talk to the Mentee about the culture of the organisation, how work is expected to be done there, and of course how they may improve. For the Mentor to have time to perform these tasks, you should create the appropriate environment.

Documentation

When improvements are made; they should be documented. Staff will inevitably come and go, but if important processes are documented, then others can look up the solutions to problems and issues that were solved in the past. Important processes involving quality of delivery or project risks should be formally captured in business process documentation. For other solutions, perhaps relating to specific technology, then an internal Wiki site might be a good way to go. Again, you need to allow the time for staff to document the important things.

Lessons Learned

Every project should conclude with a Lessons Learned process. For small projects, this might be a quick ten-minute meeting. For large projects, it might take several hours. It offers a chance to talk about how the team performed on the project. Identify the areas where things went wrong, and work to make adjustments. Any disaster that occurred should be recorded for future projects to consider. Any new methods or processes that were tested and proved successful, should also be documented and re-used on future projects. Last by not least, make sure that everything is recorded, and that procedures are in place to ensure the information captured is used on future projects.

If you would like to discuss training, consultancy services or Symetri’s own technology, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us on info@symetri.co.uk or call us on 0345 370 1444.

 

 

What’s New in AutoCAD Electrical 2023

In this blog, we look at what’s new in the AutoCAD Electrical 2023 release.

Signal Arrows Update

In AutoCAD Electrical 2023, you can synchronise all source and destination arrows that use the same signal code. In previous releases, the link between the source arrows to other source or destination arrows would break when making a change to the signal code. The source and destination arrows with the same signal code in any drawing are all updated when the signal code in one of the source arrows is updated.

Copy Project

Enhancements have been made to copy project command which now includes a one-step process for copying electrical projects with the option to select “Use selected project as template project”. This option creates a copy of your specified project including all project-related files to increase productivity and efficiency compared to the previous releases of AutoCAD Electrical. The previous method is still supported within the copy project workflow. 

Electrical Bill of Materials Integration with Vault

In previous releases, only the catalog number is used as the key to generate the Electrical BOM in Vault. Using only the catalog number as the key caused issues when there are two symbols with the same catalog number but with different manufacturers, or with the same catalog number and manufacturer but with different AssemblyCodes.

Now, we have the option to include a key system CAT-MFG-ASSYCODE (Catalog + Manufacturer + AssemblyCode) for Electrical BOM’s in Vault. This resolves the issues pertaining to two symbols having the same key.

If you would like to find out more about AutoCAD Electrical, complete the form on this page https://www.symetri.co.uk/products/autocad-electrical  to get in touch with us.

SYMETRI also offers scheduled and private AutoCAD Electrical Essentials training. Explore the full agenda here: https://www.symetri.co.uk/training/training-courses/autocad-electrical-essentials
 

Naviate Accelerate: Using Colour Elements to perform tasks in a Revit Structures model

This blog explores how you can use Naviate Colour Elements to perform several different tasks in a Revit Structures model. Setting up view filters can be a time-consuming process, but Naviate Colour Elements can do this with a one-click button that will generate the view filters based on the category, parameter values and colours you just set up.

Let’s start by clicking on the Colour Elements tool on the Naviate Accelerate ribbon. In the dialog box you see a category list down the left side, place a tick in the structural foundations category. Then from the parameter dropdown select ‘Elevation at Top’, this will generate the values with the level heights of the top of the pile caps and define a colour. The colours can be changed at this point if desired, by clicking on the colour down the right side and choosing a new colour.

With the colour elements dialog box still open, you can click into your model view, the colours will now be visible and thus indicating the height at the top of each pile cap. If you can see any pile caps with a different colour, these will be at a different height, and they might need to be adjusted.

By selecting the pile cap that is showing a different colour and checking the properties, for example the level offset could be changed.

Once you have corrected or changed any differences in your pile cap heights you can go back to the still open colour elements dialog box, there you will see a refresh button just above the colour column. Using this will refresh the values and colours.

 Again, click back in the model view to see the refreshed colours.

Once the colour elements dialog box is closed the colour overrides are lost but if you wish to keep the colours before you exit the dialog box, select ‘Keep colour overrides in view when exiting’ which will retain the colour overrides in that view.

There is also an option to create view filters and one to add them to a view template.

Setting up view filters can be a time-consuming process, but Naviate Colour Elements can do this with a one-click button that will generate the view filters based on the category, parameter values and colours you just set up.

Would you like to find out more about Naviate? Visit our website where you will find information about all 10 modulars available within Naviate, including the core module Naviate Accelerate. https://www.symetri.co.uk/products/naviate-productivity-tools-revit-civil-3d-add-ons

Otherwise, call us on 0345 370 1444 or email info@symetri.co.uk. 

 

 

 

What’s new in Autodesk Revit 2023 for Structures

Each year Autodesk releases an improved version of Autodesk Revit, with new features. Today, I will focus on new features specifically for structures.

In the Autodesk Revit 2023 release, the structural tools build on the core functionality of reinforced concrete modelling and steel fabrication modelling, but also the new analytical automation. Here are the key features and tools relating to concrete and steel modelling.

Visualisation of Rebar in 3D View

Making rebar visible in a 3D view has been simplified. With the rebar selected, in the view visibility states dialogue box, you only have the view unobscured option to tick. The rebar will automatically view as a solid when your view is in the Fine Level of Detail.

        

Propagate Rebar

A new feature is the Propagate Rebar; with the rebar selected in a host object, the propagate rebar tool will appear. You can select individual or multiple ‘like’ hosts to copy the rebar.

Displaced Rebar

A pasted feature that now works with rebar, select the rebar in a host object and use the standard displace elements tool to reposition the rebar in your view as desired. You can add path lines and reset the displaced bars.

Multi Leader Tags for Rebar

Use the standard tag by category tool to tag a rebar set, you can add additional bars from that set to the tag; you can also control the leader lines with multi or single leaders.

                                                                                   

Analytical Automation

In Autodesk Revit 2023, we now have Analytical Driven Modelling; this differs from the derived analytical model as contextual, analytical elements are not created automatically when the physical model is created. We have new feature capabilities such as Analytical Member, Analytical Panel, Analytical Node, and Analytical Openings.

We also have a new Automation feature to generate a structural analytical model based on selected physical elements.

                               

Steel Connections Automation

The Connection Automation feature can automatically apply popular typical steel connections and create your own libraries by expanding/customising the predefined libraries. The customisable automation rules for the steel connections are run by the Dynamo player. 

                                              

To learn more about Autodesk Revit, please visit our product page or call us on 0345 370 1444 or email info@symetri.co.uk. 

                                    

Three main goals of integrated PLM

What is most important when looking for a PLM system?

PLM is about information, how it is produced and handled and shared across a whole company. It can be considered as the backbone of everyday operations and a practice that helps define and reinforce the competitive advantage.

When considering PLM and the software you use to implement it you should consider its reliability in achieving the following three main goals:

• Design efficiency and productivity
  Are you able to deliver the correct design data to any user, on any device, across the company? By securely storing and managing engineering design data and related documents, you can quickly find and re-use design and engineering data.

• Cost reduction
  Are you able to free up design engineers to focus on innovation rather than administration? By integrating product information with Procurement and Production you can deliver improved quality at lower costs.

• Speed to market
  Have you automated data sharing across your supply chain? By ensuring data accuracy for each delivered area, you can support field management and turn users into advocates; favourably impacting reputation and facilitating sales growth.

Make it easy, make IT smarter

PLM addresses the day-to-day issues that may arise from inconsistent information sources and methodologies but can only do this if they’re all brought together in one platform. Such a platform can provide an automatic, and automated, connection between the constituent phases and practices involved in the overall PLM process.

Sovelia provides a lean approach to PLM

Our Sovelia digital platform for engineering and PLM enables you to provide your teams with the solutions they need for seamless collaboration, to link your processes and systems, and optimise your data. Sovelia drives cost-efficient practices by giving you the tools to create, innovate, and manage, effortlessly.

For further information about Sovelia or to discuss your PLM requirements please contact Symetri.  

6 ways to improve quantity takeoffs

The problem with quantity takeoffs today

Traditional 2D takeoff continues to be a leading method for estimating quantities on projects, but it can be very time-consuming with scale rules, highlighter pens and spreadsheets. Paired with the rise of projects needing to be completed using Building Information Modelling (BIM), estimators and quantity surveyors end up using a number of different software solutions. As a result, the disconnected nature of 2D & 3D takeoffs can become a challenge.

Autodesk recently released its Construction Outlook report which highlights that schedules on bidding in particular, are getting tighter & tighter as we look at the data coming in from the field. In addition to this challenge, competition continues to increase in this space as more and more people are bidding on the same projects.

The covid-19 pandemic has also highlighted the challenge that individuals face when they are not working in the same location. People need to collaborate with different people in different disciplines of an organisation, which is not always as straight forward as we’d like it to be.

How can quantity takeoffs be improved?

So how do we get around these challenges? Let’s look at some of the elements you can gradually start to implement on a project-by-project basis…

Increased collaboration – ability to increase collaboration with other estimators and team members.

Single source of truth - Rework caused by poor project data costs the industry approximately 280 billion dollars annually. By working off one single source of truth, teams can reduce errors by not working off correct, updated information.

Connected 2D & 3D - 2D drawings are derived from 3D models with connected data, allowing estimators and quantity surveyors to better understand how components are installed and identify potential clashes before problems arise out on-site.

Improved data accuracy – teams can better plan & forecast their projects

Standardisation – by standardising on one platform, teams are able to function more efficiently. There’s no learning curves between projects and company standards are always met. BIM is becoming more frequent in estimation workflows and the ability to connect 2D & 3D quantifications together in a single platform helps with this.

Digitisation – there are still a lot of workflows which occur at pen & paper level in the construction industry today, so the more we can bring that information into the digital age, and have it available for collaboration, the better you can perform on your projects.

How do you achieve this?

Introducing Autodesk Takeoff

Autodesk Takeoff, part of the Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform, allows estimators to produce & perform more accurate 2D takeoffs and generate automated quantities from 3d models within a single takeoff solution.

Autodesk Takeoff sits nicely between Autodesk BIM Collaborate & Autodesk Build in the pre-construction space covering 2D & 3D takeoff and scope analysis. 

Explore the full range of products available in the Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform here.

See Autodesk Takeoff in action

In this short video, our Construction Application Specialist Callum Rudge introduces the Autodesk Takeoff interface and walks through how to make a package.

https://youtu.be/EjG5KWbNyBw

For more information on Autodesk Takeoff and to see a full product demo, watch our on-demand webinar recording.

VIEW FULL DEMO

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To keep up to date with the latest advancements to the Autodesk Construction Cloud or the Construction industry, please get in touch with us. Alternatively, join our bi-weekly webinar sessions #WorkSmarterWednesdays.