Axis Import – SOFiSTiK Bridge Modeler for Revit

In this post, I’d like to go through the new import capabilities within the SOFiSTiK Bridge Modeler version 2019-2.

The import extends the capabilities of the plug-in to utilise already generated alignment information from other civil applications. Besides LandXML also CSV, text files and JSON files can be imported.
If you run the FEA package of SOFiSTiK for bridge design, importing an axis from the SOFiSTiK database (CDB) is possible too.

The principle workflow

A quick overview about the steps to get the external geometry into in Revit.

The “Import” command

The Import command is integrated into the “Axis” drop down menu within the “Bridge Modeler” Ribbon.

Opening the command “Import”

Selecting the source file

The initial dialogue box of the import command is similar for all available data sources and allows you to choose the import file type.

Setting the import properties

Depending on the import source – various settings are available for the “Axis Import” dialogue.

The different import options in detail

Let’s have a look at the supported data sources of the “Import” command.

1 Bridge Geometry (*.json)

The *.json format actually allows to re-import a previously exported geometry generated within the Bridge Modeler plugin. The file contains geometrical information, placements and variables.
The straight workflow to import the axis includes only 3 steps – clicking the Import command choosing the *.json file and confirming it by hitting the open button.

The axis will pop-up in Revit to use it further to assign the superstructure and substructure information.

2 LandXML(*.xml)

Using the LandXML format to share alignment information is a comfortable way. It includes alignment and profile details. During the import, the available geometry of the axis is translated into the horizontal and vertical design element types.

Let’s have a more detailed look at the SOFiSTiK: LandXML Import Dialogue box.

There are basically three sections: Alignments, Axis and Range.

+ Section 1: Alignments

The LandXML file can contain several profiles for every single alignment. If that’s the case, all available profiles will show up in this section. However, this Example – an obviously simple one – only includes one single profile.

+ Section 2: Axis

The section “Axis” comes with the relevant inputs to position the alignment in the Revit project.

  • by Alignment Location – places the start point of the axis always at the internal origin
  • by Project Base Point – places the axis according to the project coordinates
  • by Shared Site – places the axis according to the shared coordinates
  • by Internal Origin – places the axis according to the internal Revit coordinates

Activating the “Update Existing Axis” checkbox enables you to update a previously created or imported axis.

To perform the update you need to confirm the axis after you confirmed all settings in the SOFiSTiK: LandXML Import Dialogue box by hitting OK.

Information such as placements, variables and secondary axis remain.

+ Section 3: Range

As the LandXML file might include the entire road alignment – but only a specific part of it is required for modelling the bridge – it makes sense to import the relevant part only. The inputs at “Station at Start/End” allow you to specify the range.

The final step: confirming all setting by hitting OK.

For any modifications on the alignment layout, use the “Edit“ command in the menu “Axis”.

3 SOFiSTiK Database (*.cdb)

If you use SOFiSTiK’s FEA packages for bridge design – which utilises a similar parametric approach to create bridge alignments – an additional import option is available. The created axis and its geometrical details, placements and variables are saved in the central database (CDB). This information is available to import within the Bridge Modeler in Revit. Modifying the axis is possible with the “Edit” command in the “Axis” menu afterwards as well.

To import the axis to the Revit project the position – similar to the LandXML import – has to be defined.

  • by Alignment Location – places the start point of the axis always at the internal origin
  • by Project Base Point – places the axis according to the project coordinates
  • by Shared Site – places the axis according to the shared coordinates
  • by Internal Origin – places the axis according to the internal Revit coordinates

Performing an update of an already existing axis in Revit is also possible. Information such as placements, variables and secondary axis will remain after the update.

4 Text/CSV (*.txt; *.csv; *.xyz)

Importing an alignment based from a text file is a further option. Basically, the text file needs to include the coordinates of the alignment relevant points. Files such as ‘txt, *.csv or any other text file are supported by this method.

Besides the units at the very top of the dialogue box, the data table presents the input of the source file. You need to assign the columns to their correct property. The default is set to “None” to all entries in the drop-down menu.

It’s not essential to provide the station information. However, it increases the accuracy of the axis definition.

As the source file is a text file it becomes essential to divide the inputs with a separator. The kind of separator can be selected in the Dropdown menu during the import. Depending on the uses spreadsheet application you might need to choose a specific decimal separator.

Again, to place the alignment in the Revit project, pick one of the available positioning options.

  • by Alignment Location – places the start point of the axis always at the internal origin
  • by Project Base Point – places the axis according to the project coordinates
  • by Shared Site – places the axis according to the shared coordinates
  • by Internal Origin – places the axis according to the internal Revit coordinates

As the axis information is based on coordinates performing any modifications based on element types isn’t an option for this input method. The horizontal and vertical options are locked when opening the editing axis dialogue box.

The “Update Existing Axis” option is also available.

Watch the Video

Check-out the video to see the new Import feature in action.

Wrap-Up

As the majority of the infrastructure projects are developed on road alignment in civil software applications, so it’d be pointless not to utilise the already available information. The new “Import” functionality boosts the efficiency tremendously by saving time on entering the bridge relevant road alignment information manually.

If you haven’t tested the SOFiSTiK Bridge Modeler for Revit 2019 yet – you’ll find an introduction webinar as well as the link to the 30-day trial version on the SOFiSTiK Bridge Modeler product page.

Download the alignment files to test the different import options.

Plugin version: SOFiSTiK Bridge Modeler v2019-2 for Revit 2019.