For as long as structural design and draughting software has existed, there has been a need to transfer infor-mation between various systems. More recently, the need for collaboration and information sharing amongst design professionals have advanced to a higher level – Building Information Modeling (BIM).

The power of BIM lies in the fact that one is no longer drawing lines in CAD, but rather modeling objects like beams, slabs and columns. Detailed information about these objects are stored in a model database. In the Revit® context, any change made to an object, automatically reflects in all plans, sections, elevations and schedules. In a broader context, BIM-enabled structural design and fabrication software can use the same information and respond to chang-es made to the model. The benefits of using BIM soon become obvious: early error detection in the preliminary design phase, fewer errors during detail design, and increased all round productivity.

Autodesk® Revit® Structure allows one to create an incredibly detailed building model, and apply point, line and area loads. It also has the ability to model complex support conditions such as releases and springs. All of this information can be transferred to a PROKON® Frame Analysis model using Prodesk, an add-on for Revit® Structure.

Prokon’s Prodesk package makes BIM possible – it seamlessly transfers infor-mation between Autodesk® Revit® Struc-ture (world-leading modeling software) and PROKON® Structural Analysis & Design software. Similar integration, but less feature-rich, is also possible when using Prodesk with Autodesk® Revit® Architecture or AutoCAD®.

In spite of the complex translation process that goes on in the background, transferring a model from Revit® to Prokon’s Sumo or Frame Analysis is a simple procedure with Prodesk:

• Open the model in Revit® Structure.• If you have Prodesk installed on your computer there will be a Prokon Tab. In the Prokon tab you can click on

the Import/Export button which will give you a dropdown list with options that allow you to prepare your model for Export, Import/Export to or from Frame Analysis or Sumo.

• From here you can select any one of the export options that you would like to use.• After selecting the Prokon Analysis module that you would like to Export to, for example Sumo, a dialog box will

open with options to export slabs and walls.

Beams and columns are transferred directly with their correct section profiles and orientations. Pad and wall footings are transferred as point or line supports. Slabs and walls are meshed using quadrilateral shell finite elements.

The transfer procedure offers you a great degree of control and flexibility. When transferring a concrete slab, for example, Frame Analysis and Sumo’s advanced Mesh Generator will guide you through the process to ensure that a suitable finite element mesh is created.

You have the option to transfer an entire model from Revit® to Frame Analysis and Sumo or, if you wish, selected portions only. If you transfer a single floor level only, columns passing through that level are modeled as supports in Frame Analysis.

The design and detailing workflow would typically be as below:

• Build the model in Revit®.• Use Prodesk to transfer the model to Sumo or Frame Analysis.• Make any needed modifications to the structural model, e.g. enter loads if you have not done so in the Revit®-

model.• Perform the analysis to determine the design forces.• Use the Prokon Design Links function to generate design input for concrete bases and columns.• Perform the necessary design checks and generate reinforcement.• Use Prodesk to transfer the 3D reinforcement layout back to the Revit® model.

This procedure can be used to reinforce groups of bases or columns (that are similar in function and dimension) at the same time.

NOTE: You can open bending schedules generated with the concrete design modules in AutoCAD® using the AutoPadds extension. AutoPadds extends AutoCAD® and turns it into a full-featured 2D reinforcement detailing package.

In some cases, it may be more convenient to build your model in Frame Analysis. Prodesk allows you to be flex-ible, and has the ability to transfer models from Frame Analysis to Revit®. To facilitate this interaction, Prodesk has a function for creating “family files” for sections in the Prokon Section Database. The Section Database is also directly available from within Revit®, allowing you to add new sections on the fly. All of this interoperability guaran-tees time-saving and a standardised model transfer.

Once you have transferred a model from Revit® to Sumo or Frame Analysis, you can proceed to detail and de-sign reinforcement, and finally transfer the reinforcement back to the Revit® model.

Linking with the PROKON® concrete design modules.

• Section Database: The Prokon Section Database is directly available from within Revit®

• Quick and easy transfer: Transferring a model from Revit® to Sumo or Frame Analysis is a simple procedure with Prodesk.

• Advanced Mesh Generator: to guide you through the process to ensure that a suitable finite element mesh is created.

In years to come, further improvements to Autodesk® Revit® will add to the success of BIM. Support for integration formats such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and improved reinforcement modeling in Revit® would undoubt-edly provide for even smoother sharing of information between Revit®, PROKON® Structural Analysis & Design and other engineering software.

BIM is not yet a magic formula for all design projects, but amazing things are on the horizon with a technology that is still maturing. While others are waiting for that to happen, Prodesk is providing PROKON® Structural Analysis & Design and Revit® users the much needed BIM link today.