Nemetschek Group Paves the Way for Continuous Model Workflows in the Construction Lifecycle

• New solution to automatically create analysis model, from architectural or structural model
• Open BIM workflows now integrate structural engineers
• More efficient cross-discipline collaboration

Munich, 15 October 2020 – In conjunction with the release of Allplan 2021, the Nemetschek Group is reinforcing its solution portfolio for increased collaboration in the construction lifecycle. With SCIA AutoConverter, in a limited version part of Allplan 2021, structural engineers can fully participate in the BIM process. The solution refines the traditional structural to analysis model-based workflow. In combination with the Bimplus platform from Allplan, engineers and modelers can work together in an open and integrated BIM workflow and develop analytical models from any source with a high degree of accuracy.

“This is another great result from the increasing collaboration between our brands. Again, several Nemetschek Group brands - led by Allplan and SCIA - have joined forces to improve collaboration and efficiency across the construction lifecycle”, says Viktor Várkonyi, Chief Division Officer, Planning & Design Division and member of the Executive Board of the Nemetschek Group. “The innovation is a true game-changer for structural engineers”.

Until now, structural engineers were hindered by having to create or recreate analysis models from scratch. This process often took up 30 percent of the project time. “This solution saves a lot of time and effort for my work as an engineer. I don´t have to spend any time rebuilding models”, comments Hannah Freireich, Will Rudd Davidson Ltd, Scotland.

The analysis model is automatically generated from the geometric model, regardless of the software used, by leveraging the Open BIM approach of the Nemetschek Group. Throughout the automated process, the engineer retains control over how the analysis model is created – a crucial feature for most engineers. All participants always have the latest information available. Any changes made to the geometric model are automatically updated in the analysis model without losing any analysis data, and vice versa.

“Collaboration between all disciplines, including architects, modelers, structural engineers and others, is crucial for a safe and sustainable design. With our new solution, we are providing a highly innovative way to improve the engineering workflow and to make BIM a workable reality for all, including structural engineers”, says Hilde Sevens, CEO of SCIA.

With this innovation, engineers are given the ability to integrate Allplan models quickly and efficiently in their structural analysis tool of choice - including sister brands SCIA, Frilo and Risa - and further structural analysis tools by leveraging Open BIM. “The automatic conversion of the structural model to the analysis model saves a vast amount of time and reduces the risk of errors in re-modelling - a great benefit for our customers”, adds Detlef Schneider, CEO of Allplan. “Therefore, it was a given for us to include it into our new release of Allplan 2021”.

SCIA AutoConverter was released in June 2020 and SCIA AutoConverter Light has now been included as part of the Allplan 2021 release for customers on maintenance.

More information at SCIA and Allplan.