BIM Case Study: Circuit of the Americas Observation Tower

In the modern construction industry, the usage of BIM software has become invaluable. Without Building Information Modeling the industry today will be nowhere to meet the demands and challenges of the 21st-century construction projects. By reviewing real-life scenarios of BIM usage, we can identify and analyze how exactly experts are using the applications to support building development and project management.

The very first racing track solely built for Formula One racing in the USA, the Circuit of the Americas is 3.5 miles long and respectively wide. This grade 1 FIA-specification prestigious motor racing track hosts both car races and motorbike races and has already hosted some of the prestigious motor races in the world. For today's BIM case study, let us see how BIM software was used in the construction of the observation tower for these tracks.

Project Requirement

The Circuit of the Americas (CotA) race track is 3.426 miles (or 5.514 kilometers) long, with a width proportional to the circuit. The race track sits upon 890 acres of undeveloped land in southeastern Travis County near Austin, Texas. The duty of designing the observation tower for this track was endowed to Mio Rivera, who invented a brilliant design reminding the visitors why they are here.

The observation tower for the track is 251 feet or 77 meters tall and is capable of seating an audience ten thousand strong. A double-helix structure surrounds the elevator hoist-way that is the main connection to the grounds to the building. The 900 sqft main observation deck has a partial glass floor and offers a 360-degree view of the surroundings as well as downtown Austin from an elevation of 230 feet.

But the most obvious feature of the building is its 18 steel tubes, colored a vivid, bright red, running along the back of the tower and gracefully flowing down to horizontal. This unique design is intended to act as a dramatic focal point for the race track and serves the visitors' as an anchoring point for racing, reminding them of the bright tail light streak left behind after a speeding car. The 8” diameter tubes not only have a strong visual impact but also contribute to the structural stability of the tower by acting as an outrigger column for lateral load resistance via a series of struts and rods that tie back to the primary structure.

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Use of GIS in BIM

The construction industry has come far on the shoulders of digital computing. Software usage is standard now in designing, modeling, cost estimation, and project management with every constructor now. Particularly, BIM (Building Information Modeling) software has become common in every project from small residential to giant infrastructure construction.

However, a major headache of the AEC’s (Architects, Engineers & Constructors) is data loss between the planning and development phases. Whenever you transmit data from one software to another, the receiving application translates the data in its own custom ways. What it cannot translate, it rejects as garbage. After that, the AEC has to recreate the lost data in the plan again. The more software stages your project has, the more this problem will occur, the more complicated this situation will become and the more the error margin will grow.

However, the rapid evolution in the cloud-based data storage, vending, and analysis technologies can be taken advantage of to patch these leaks. Specifically, the GIS (Geographic Information System) can be very handy when merged with or used in parallel to BIM applications. Let us delve deeper into the subject in this article.

What is GIS
A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth's surface. GIS is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographical data. The key in this technology is Geography – this means that some portion of the data is spatial. By relating seemingly unrelated data, GIS can help individuals and organizations better understand spatial patterns and relationships.

How can GIS help in BIM
The fusion of BIM and GIS provides the power to build a robust context model where geographic information and infrastructure design data are brought together. Software companies like AutoDesk develop both GIS and BIM software and are now integrating one into the other in order to provide more data clarity and reusability. Adoption of GIS into BIM will give you a fat handful of benefits; the major one being digital data as part of deliverables for each transition. The geographical (and geological) data merged with project plans and drawings will give valuable insights into the AEC’s decision-making process.

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Prota Structure 2019 for designing 15 Storied Building

In this video tutorial, you will get step-by-step guidelines for designing a 15-storied building with the use of Pro Structure 2019 software. You will gather knowledge on replicate/generate story, cantilever slab with loading, story with wall load editing etc.

The software is very useful for multi-component modeling and provides complete support for handling steel and concrete structures along with the support for finite element analysis.

The application offers proper solution for handling the construction structures and composite sections together with detailing features and a lot more. The application offers non-linear element transitions and seismic assessment and retrofitting features. Besides, it is very effective for producing the structural designs, customizations and component design management for the design professionals and the engineers.

By utilizing its rapid modeling capabilities, the users will be able to save a significant time and provides support for analytical methods or FE for grouping. This powerful application offers a complete solution toward component design management for the engineers. It can deal with the steel, concrete and composite sections designing with 3D finite element analysis features.

The software offers the following exclusive features :-

• Robust application for multi-component modeling
• Compatible with concrete and steel structures
• Manage composite sections and supports finite element analysis
• An advanced set of tools for scene construction and non-linear analysis
• Seismic review and retrofitting features
• Manage the insulation and dedicated system for structural design
• Customize the designs as per requirements
• Consistent solution for Engineers and design professional

• Design management features and various non-linear element analysis
• Create structural designs and customize the designs accordingly
• Frame structure systems and handle floors and system bases
• Apply analytical methods for FE grouping
• 3D finite element analysis with visual results and precision
• A cost-effective solution with different customizations
• Various other powerful options and features

For online demonstration, go through the following video tutorial.

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Integrated Manufacturing CAD/CAM/CIM (ETM 260) course for engineering students

Middlesex Community College is offering Computer Aided Design and Integrated Manufacturing CAD/CAM/CIM (ETM 260) course for engineering students.

Middlesex Community College (MxCC) is arranging a Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) engineering course that will be conducted at the Middletown campus in the Fall 2019 semester commencing from August 27.

The course is titled as Computer Aided Design and Integrated Manufacturing CAD/CAM/CIM (ETM 260) and it is an introduction to solid modeling for design, drawing, assembly, mass property analysis and manufacturing operations on a CAD/CAM/CIM system. The focus is given on computer hardware utilization for designing products. No prerequisites are necessary since everybody can register for the course. It is best suited for the students in view of transfer to CCSU’s four-year engineering programs.

“This class hilights Siemens NX CAD software and is open to anyone having in interest in engineering. Even general students or people working in the industry can join the class.

The lecture and laboratory course is open to new and continuing MxCC students and CCSU students at part-time CCSU tuition rates. Full-time MxCC students will be able to enroll in this course without any extra fees.

Interested MxCC students and potential students should first register as a non-degree CCSU student prior to enlist in the course. These students will be able to submit CCSU course registration forms directly to CCSU until online registration at CCSU commences on July 15. Starting on July 15, non-degree students can sign up for the course online via CCSU’s website (https://ssb-prod.ec.ccsu.edu/PROD/byskcsob.P_TermSel).

To get more information, please email Professor Lin at llin@mxcc.edu or CCSU registrar Barbara Zalot at zalot@ccsu.edu.



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How To Use Dynamo Revit To Create A Helix Ramp With Topography

This revit video sheds light on how to generate Helix Ramp with topography by Dynamo for Revit.

Dynamo for Revit expands building information modeling with the data and logic environment of a graphical algorithm editor. It is very flexible and associated with a powerful Revit database. It creates a new approach for BIM.

The objective of dynamo is to simplify AEC workflows in Revit and facilitate the users to avail the database of Revit outside of the restraints of the interface.

Revit hosts an extensive API (Application Program Interface) that facilitates the third-party developers to generate custom tools. And programmers apply this API for years, but text-based scripting isn't available to each person. With the help of an accessible graphical algorithm editor, Dynamo standardizes Revit data easily.

With the use of core Dynamo nodes in conjugation with custom Revit ones, a user will be able to significantly extend parametric workflows for interoperability, documentation, analysis, and generation. With Dynamo, laborious workflows are automated when design explorations can flourish.

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Some Useful Tricks For Using Solid Editing Tools In AutoCAD 2017

This autocad tutorial will teach you how to use fundamental editing tools in AutoCAD 2017 for performing precise solid modeling. By watching this video, one will be familiar with different types of solid editing tools like subtract, slice and others.

3D solid editing tools are accessible in the solid editing ribbon panel.

Solid modeling is a process for describing 3d objects as solid forms. While creating a 3d model with solid modeling, fundamental forms (boxes, cones, cylinders etc.) of your model are started. These fundamental forms are known as primitives.

The solid editing tools can be accessed by applying a single AutoCAD command known as Solidedit. One can apply the undo option to undo the last solidedit option that has been already applied devoid of existing the command.

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How To Use Revit 2017 To Make A Great Elevation

This Revit video tutorial demonstrates how to use Revit 2017 to produce a perfect and clear elevation in Revit.

Revit 2017 contains a new feature that is called elevation and section depth cueing. The revit users now will be able to set a distance fade in Section and Elevation Views in Revit.

Depth cueing can be used for modeling elements and graphic display effects like shadows and sketchy lines. The feature is not suitable for annotation elements, line weight, linework, background image, or background color.

Once depth cueing is applied to a view, the following can be performed :-

 Export the view to an image file.
• Print the view (raster processing only).
• Add the view to a sheet.

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How To Complete An Advanced House Project With AutoCAD

The beginner’s AutoCAD users, who want to sharpen their 2D and 3D modeling skills, can watch this AutoCAD video tutorial. The video shows how to complete an advanced house project with AutoCAD. The AutoCAD users can learn how to generate a 2d house plan by using different types of commands.

Given below, the lists of commands which are used in this project.

a. Settle drawing units and limits
b. Specifying area of your drawing
c. Creating walls, windows and door
d. Applying line Command

e. Applying rectangle fillet champher
f. Creating layers in Autocad and process of using them
g. Applying design center in Autocad 2016
h. Generating dimensions for you drawing

j. Creating elevation from any 2d plan
i. Accomplishing 3d Modeling of the 2d Plan with explanation

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Autodesk unveiled 2016 Design & Creation Suites with cloud compatibility

Autodesk just introduced 2016 design suites which will improve the quality of your designs through various desktop and cloud application.

Autodesk design and creation suites come with some wide array of extended toolsets and exclusive interoperability.

Autodesk Suites focus on the complete workflow that range from procuring reality and replicating the design, to create that design concretely via 3D printing or other forms of fabrication.

Every suite consists of AutoCAD 2016, ReCap and 3ds Max. AutoCAD 2016 is the most improved version of AutoCAD that generates rapid as well as more accurate thorough design & documentation through sound visual perfectness. Autodesk’s ReCap technology includes more native scan formats, brilliant measurement toolset, superior annotation and sync features which can transform reality computing to a higher state of approachability and attainability beyond the suites.

Design Professionals who belong to AEC and natural resources & infrastructure sectors will be able to experience advanced software functionalities through robust cloud services and adaptable subscriptions options.

Given below some exclusive features of the design suite :-

• Building Design Suite provides better software performance as well as interoperability concerning visualization, clash detection and detailing.

• Infrastructure Design Suite offers combined workflows amid preliminary engineering and the detailed design stages, superior co-operation through expanded data exchange facilities, improved project organization tools and advanced software coordination with reliable user interfaces.

• Plant Design Suite offers crucial improvements to AutoCAD Plant 3D together with deep amalgamation with Autodesk Vault and addition of Navisworks models as reference models at the time of creating models as well as involvement of AutoCAD MEP to model electrical raceways and ductwork.

• There are also lots of benefits for the manufacturing industry with the expansive technology to design, engineer and fabricate products through new and advanced functionalities for modeling, simulation and fabrication. The company is introducing new Autodesk AnyCAD interoperability intended for any third-party design files, and Autodesk 3D Print Studio, on the basis of Spark open 3D printing platform, which directly incorporates additive fabrication into the Suites workflow.

• Product Design Suite: Besides, AnyCAD and 3D Print Studio, 2016 product suite facilitates advancements for visualization, electromechanical design, data management, superior simulation and provides subscription access to the cloud-based Autodesk Fusion 360.

• Factory Design Suite: The processes for transforming CAD assets out of 2D to 3D have been significantly enhance with higher preciseness and competence. The factory customers can get an enhanced workflow for combining point cloud data from laser scans.

• Digital artists, film makers and gamers will be greatly benefitted with these toolset to deal with the whole production system, specifically while collaborating with multi-discipline teams disperse over various locations.

• Entertainment Creation Suite: Some crucial advancements are made to animation performance, accessibility, content formation, collaborative and connected workflows.


Autodesk product suites and desktop subscription products are deeply incorporated with Autodesk 360 cloud services. Subscription customers can avail the extra cloud services like more rapidly rendering and visualization aptitudes, simulation, analysis and collaboration tools.


The users can also get access to the new Autodesk Account, a bespoke and user-friendly portal to allow them for tracking and administering all Autodesk products, services, and benefits under one umbrella. Customers will have a uncomplicated installation, management and upgrade experience, compliant payment terms, and wider access to various devices.


Now the users from Asean region can avail Autodesk 2016 Design. For getting more updates and pricing availability, visit www.autodesk.com/subscription.





Image Courtesy: techgage.com


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Learn to create a L-Type Stairs quickly with AutoCAD

This AutoCAD youtube lesson is specifically designed for advanced AutoCAD users. This AutoCAD course is offered by Prismacad. Go through some advanced modeling techniques to learn how to produce a L-Type Stairs through AutoCAD quickly and efficiently.

For getting more AutoCAD tutorial, visit http://www.prismacad.it/

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Transform as-built steel and concrete modeling to the next level with EdgeWise 5.0

ClearEdge3D just declared the availability of EdgeWise™ 5.0. This newest 3d modeling software comes with various advanced features and improvements useful for producing the best field-to-finish modeling solution. By applying sophisticated feature extraction (AFE) and object recognition methods, the software can computerize the process for 3D modeling of as-built structural members, MEP, process plants and buildings through point clouds. The software can streamline the process for producing a complete BIM or facility model out of laser scan data by significantly minimizing the required man-hours.

EdgeWise 5.0 is compatible with Revit, AutoCAD and PDMS.

EdgeWise 5.0 can bring huge benefits for as-built steel and concrete modeling with its improved technique for auto-extraction of structural members.

EdgeWise 5.0 contains the following exclusive features:-

• Innovative technology can make the extraction of gridded steel and concrete structure automatic.

• With latest pipe extraction algorithms, false positives can be reduced virtually.

• Put EdgeWise intelligent models directly into Plant 3D through new Plant 3D plug-in.

• Better integration with Revit for importing of out-of-tolerance and non-standard as-built elbows.

• Send a photo-like view of the point cloud with latest realistic visualization engine alias ClearView.

The new algorithms together with automated modeling algorithms can significantly develop the automated pipe extraction process. Now the users will be able to automatically extract gridded structure out of a point cloud and it will save huge time while modeling as-built steel and concrete.

For more information, visit www.clearedge3d.com

Image Courtesy: sparpointgroup.com

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McHenry County College is offering exclusive 3d modeling courses for BIM professionals

The digital modeling is making a sea change in creating & designing buildings, infrastructure systems and utilities.

McHenry County College is conducting useful courses on building information modeling (BIM) which is intended for professionals to improve their skills in the architectural, engineering and construction industry. Besides, this course will be also fruitful for those want to pursue their career as consultants in this field as well as finds new openings professionally.

Several experts associated with AEC industries will perform as the course instructor who will conduct this course from a construction manager viewpoint. The participants will join theoretical classes as well as go through hands-on training on building information modeling with the application of industry-recognized software which range from Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Navisworks Manage.

One can apply for registration for spring 2015 semester classes.

For getting more updates, visit www.mchenry.edu/aet or give a call to Bob Mihelich, McHenry County College instructor and the head of the Applied Technology Department, at 815-455-8719.

Image Courtesy: www.cscos.com

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Some handy BIM/VDC-associated technologies which can make a sea change in AEC Firms

The workflows of AEC firms are improved to a great extent with the implementation of building information modeling & virtual design and construction. Several upgraded techniques emerge out to transform 3d co-ordination process to a superior level.

The followings are some handy BIM/VDC-associated technology trends which facilitate the building team to design, build as well as operate buildings efficiently in the future course of time.

3D laser scanning: Lots of softwares contain less expensive field scanning techniques which perform through BIM models having perfect field information for construction sites. A scan is performed through the strong laser recording of the building structure that gathers the shape and look of a site. These conditions are transformed into a cloud of data points which are imported into a BIM model.

On a solo project, 30 minutes of scan time in the jobsite and 30 minutes of post-processing and uploading the point cloud into a Revit model can lead to saving of $30,000.

Model energy performance on the fly: With the emergence of new software tools, energy analysis of a building is executed throughout the conceptual design stage. Autodesk and Sefaira have launched various applications facilitating designers to accomplish energy study of early concepts on the fly. These applications compact the time required for assembling and crunching energy performance data for a long period. It facilitates the design teams to adapt their designs on the fly on the basis of the data.

Prefabrication will transform building delivery: Several Building Teams are applying BIM methods to collude with general contractors and construction managers to prefabricate and set up building components which range from mechanical equipment, plumbing infrastructure, and even complete restroom pods.

BIM makes the prefabrication process easy and smooth as the design become constructible in the model to be prefabricated and installed.

Data management: Some leading software companies like Assemble Systems and Panzura have built up cloud-based devices to manage, preserve, and distribute project data in a sophisticated way.

Computer-aided manufacturing: With the arrival of prefabrication and manufacturing processes like Lean construction, it opens savings and process efficiencies, the AEC are compelled to comply much the identical way computer-aided manufacturing changed manufacturing. Various CAM technologies together with BIM processes can deliver ready-to-install modules.

Image Courtesy: www.bdcnetwork.com

Ref.: http://www.bdcnetwork.com/

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