A range of BIM objects have been released including an update on a sketching app that allows customers to pan and zoom simultaneously, and the completed range of Rhinoceros software

Armstrong


Metal and mineral fibre systems

Metal and mineral fibre systems from Armstrong Ceiling Solutions were specified for a new teaching block at Ystalyfera Welsh Medium Comprehensive School. The building was designed to BREEAM “Excellent” and BIM Level 2 standards. Around 2,000m2 of Armstrong’s D-H 700 microperforated metal hook-on canopies, Axiom Knife Edge canopies with Ultima+ tiles and MicroLook 8 wood-effect metal tiles were used throughout the building. The D-H 700 metal hook-on canopies with acoustic fleece and Perla 600mm x 600mm mineral fibre tiles were installed in classrooms and the Axiom Knife Edge with Ultima+ Vector tiles were used in other areas of the school.
Armstrong
www.armstrong.co.uk

Movers and Makers

Composite panels from Eurobond were chosen for UTC Sheffield to replicate and support the rainscreen finish and also provide enhanced acoustic properties and thermal performance, while performing the span calculations and technical support using BIM. The products used were Europanel F5 Extra and Rainspan and the final specification involved a single installation of Europanel manufactured Colorcoat Prisma by Tata Steel in slate grey and helios (F5 Extra 200mm V Groove) and Rainspan (a composite panel providing structural support for rainscreen systems).
Eurobond Laminates
www.eurobond.co.uk

Balfour Beatty used BIM to construct the 23-story, 1,001-room Omni Dallas Hotel. Balfour Beatty incorporated its subcontractors into its BIM process. They developed detailed plans for their portions of the project using their own software applications and Balfour Beatty aggregated the information into a single project model using Autodesk Navisworks Manage software. Balfour Beatty says BIM solutions the company beat its construction schedule by two months.
Balfour Beatty
www.balfourbeatty.com

New products from the Marley Alutec Tudor downpipe range have been used at Moreteyne Manor, a traditional Tudor property in Bedfordshire, to replace a PVC system that had discoloured due to old age. The company has recently added a 102mm pipe to the range, which is available as BIM objects and can be downloaded from the company’s website. Manufactured from marine grade aluminium, the range is corrosion resistant. Marley Alutec’s Tudor downpipes are available in both a 63mm and 76mm circular size and come in 24 colours.
Marley Alutec
www.marleyalutec.co.uk

Hansgrohe


BIM Data for AXOR and Hansgrohe products

The Hansgrohe Group has made its BIM data available for both its brands, AXOR and Hansgrohe. The BIM models are depicted on an LOD 300 level of detail. Data is supplied in the six established formats: Revit, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, SketchUp, IFC and 3DS. It uses BIM to make geometry and attribute data available for fixtures, mixers, showers, shower systems and installation technology. The data can be downloaded from the manufacturers or from BIMobject for the AXOR brand.
Hansgrohe
pro.hansgrohe.co.uk

Export plug-in for Rhino
Datakit has launched a Solidworks export plug-in for Rhino, completing its range of plug-ins for the Rhinoceros software. This new extension allows Rhino users to save their models as .sldprt and .sldasm files, the native formats of Solidworks software. The plug-in uses Datakit’s writing technology, which the company says means users don’t need to get a Solidworks license or to install Solidworks in order to use the product. It says the add-on is ideal for Rhino users wanting to exchange their models with Solidworks users, as bidirectional exchanges between these two applications are possible.
Datakit
www.datakit.com

BIM software
BIM software developer Graphisoft has released Archicad 21, its new BIM software solution. This version features the Stair Tool with patent-pending predictive design technology. Archicad’s algorithms validate thousands of design options in the background. The software offers options that fit both the user’s graphical input and the chosen standards. Also updated is the CineRender by Maxon, which offers integrated rendering options in the BIM context.
Graphisoft
www.graphisoft.com

Scale-aware sketching app
Open Screen has released an update to its scale-aware sketching app on iPad, Archisketch 2.5. Customers can now pan and zoom simultaneously in the drawing environment, and duplicate projects with email sharing, modify and move entire groups of shapes. The update also includes an improved two-point perspective grid layout and a modernised projects system. The Archisketch Freehand tool works with the sensors in the Apple Pencil, which the company says accurately measures pressure and tilt for a natural drawing experience. The Archisketch 2.5 update requires iOS 10 or later.
Archisketch
archisketch.eu/V2/

New BIM files
Marley Plumbing & Drainage has recently created 106 push-fit and solvent soil BIM files, as well as 47 solvent waste files. These can be accessed on either BIMstore or via the Marley website. The company has grouped the files together rather than creating individual objects in order to make the downloading process quicker and easier. The company says it decided to create a larger variety of BIM files for its most popular products to help its customers meet the government’s demands.
Marley Plumbing & Drainage Solutions
www.marleyplumbinganddrainage.com

Extended BIM data portfolio
Duravit has expanded its BIM data portfolio and is now making more than 150 BIM files available for architects, planners and the sanitary, heating and air-conditioning trade. The designer bathroom manufacturer wants to promote the development of integral planning in the construction industry, based on the BIM method, which is already required for public projects in the US, UK and Spain. It says digital planning should lead to greater transparency in the construction phase and to lower operating and maintenance costs later.
Duravit
www.duravit.com

Updated objects
Boon Edam has announced it has released updated BIM objects on its two latest product releases; the Swinglane 900 Wide and the Speedlane 900 Wide. The Swinglane 900 is a fail-safe security barrier composed of slim, stainless steel cabinets, a glass swinging door wing and an advanced sensor system. The Speedlane 900 can be easily integrated with almost any access control system and a high capacity throughput of 30 people per minute can be achieved due to the design of the quick sliding motion of the door wings.
Boon Edam
www.boonedam.co.uk

Kingspan Insulation BIM Objects
Kingspan Insulation has released a new range of BIM objects, including more than 1,000 flat roof and flooring objects. These, available on Kingspan’s U-value Calculator app and website, cover a wide range of constructions, including build-up constructions for the new Kingspan Kooltherm K103 Floorboard and Thermafloor TF70 floor insulation.
Kingspan Insulation
www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk

Virtual reality


Virtual reality functionality

3D Repo has launched a new version of its cloud-based BIM software that offers integrated virtual reality functionality using 3D models and project data. It uses the cloud technology for access, collaboration and open source application development. With the addition of VR capability, users can now deploy VR simulations for applications such as training, safety and project consultation. The company says the 3D Repo solution’s web-enabled approach allows users to access all their projects remotely and without the need to create custom executables each time. 3D Repo also utilises existing site-specific 3D models and BIM data, for custom scenarios.
3D Repo
3drepo.org

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