{"id":1911,"date":"2019-04-11T12:28:39","date_gmt":"2019-04-11T11:28:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.guidoaltersberger.com\/?p=1911"},"modified":"2021-04-27T17:53:37","modified_gmt":"2021-04-27T16:53:37","slug":"axis-import-sofistik-bridge-modeler-for-revit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sofistikforyou.com\/axis-import-sofistik-bridge-modeler-for-revit\/","title":{"rendered":"Axis Import &#8211; SOFiSTiK Bridge Modeler for Revit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In this post, I\u2019d like to go through the new import capabilities within the SOFiSTiK Bridge Modeler version 2019-2.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_7a0843-73 .kb-table-of-content-wrap{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_7a0843-73 .kb-table-of-contents-title-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_7a0843-73 .kb-table-of-contents-title{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_7a0843-73 .kb-table-of-content-wrap .kb-table-of-content-list{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id_7a0843-73 .kb-table-of-content-wrap .kb-table-of-content-list .kb-table-of-contents__entry:hover{color:#0064d2;}<\/style>\n\n\n<p>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. <br>If you run the FEA package of SOFiSTiK for bridge design, importing an axis from the SOFiSTiK database (CDB) is possible too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The principle workflow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A quick overview about the steps to get the external geometry into in Revit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The &#8220;Import&#8221; command<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Import command is integrated into the \u201cAxis\u201d drop down menu within the \u201cBridge Modeler\u201d Ribbon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sofistikforyou.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/SBM-001.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1914\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opening the command \u201cImport\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sofistikforyou.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/SBM-002.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1915\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Selecting the source file<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The initial dialogue box of the import command is similar for all available data sources and allows you to choose the import file type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sofistikforyou.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/SBM-003.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1916\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sofistikforyou.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/SBM-004.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1917\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Setting the import properties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the import source &#8211; various settings are available for the \u201cAxis Import\u201d dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The different import options in detail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s have a look at the supported data sources of the \u201cImport\u201d command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1 Bridge Geometry (*.json)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<br>The straight workflow to import the axis includes only 3 steps &#8211; clicking the Import command choosing the *.json file and confirming it by hitting the open button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The axis will pop-up in Revit to use it further to assign the superstructure and substructure information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2 LandXML(*.xml)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Using the LandXML format to share alignment information is a\ncomfortable way. It includes alignment and profile details. During the import,\nthe available geometry of the axis is translated into the horizontal and\nvertical design element types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s have a more detailed look at the SOFiSTiK: LandXML\nImport Dialogue box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are basically three sections: Alignments, Axis and Range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sofistikforyou.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/SBM-006_2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1918\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">+ Section 1: Alignments<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The LandXML file can contain several profiles for every\nsingle alignment. If that\u2019s the case, all available profiles will show up in\nthis section. However, this Example &#8211; an obviously simple one &#8211; only includes\none single profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">+ Section 2: Axis<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The section \u201cAxis\u201d comes with the relevant inputs to\nposition the alignment in the Revit project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>by Alignment Location &#8211; places the start\npoint of the axis always at the internal origin<\/li><li>by Project Base Point &#8211; places the axis\naccording to the project coordinates<\/li><li>by Shared Site &#8211; places the axis according\nto the shared coordinates<\/li><li>by Internal Origin &#8211; places the axis\naccording to the internal Revit coordinates<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Activating the \u201cUpdate Existing Axis\u201d checkbox enables you\nto update a previously created or imported axis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To perform the update you need to confirm the axis after you\nconfirmed all settings in the SOFiSTiK: LandXML Import Dialogue box by hitting\nOK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Information such as placements, variables and secondary axis\nremain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">+ Section 3: Range<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>As the LandXML file might include the entire road alignment\n&#8211; but only a specific part of it is required for modelling the bridge &#8211; it\nmakes sense to import the relevant part only. The inputs at \u201cStation at\nStart\/End\u201d allow you to specify the range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The final step: confirming all setting by hitting OK. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For any modifications on the alignment layout, use the\n\u201cEdit\u201c command in the menu \u201cAxis\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3 SOFiSTiK Database (*.cdb)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you use SOFiSTiK\u2019s FEA packages for bridge design &#8211; which utilises a similar parametric approach to create bridge alignments &#8211; 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 \u201cEdit\u201d command in the \u201cAxis\u201d menu afterwards as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sofistikforyou.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/SBM-008.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1919\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>To import the axis to the Revit project the position &#8211;\nsimilar to the LandXML import &#8211; has to be defined. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>by Alignment Location &#8211; places the start\npoint of the axis always at the internal origin<\/li><li>by Project Base Point &#8211; places the axis\naccording to the project coordinates<\/li><li>by Shared Site &#8211; places the axis according\nto the shared coordinates<\/li><li>by Internal Origin &#8211; places the axis\naccording to the internal Revit coordinates<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Performing an update of an already existing axis in Revit is\nalso possible. Information such as placements, variables and secondary axis\nwill remain after the update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4 Text\/CSV (*.txt; *.csv; *.xyz)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \u2018txt, *.csv or any other text file are supported by this method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sofistikforyou.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/SBM-009.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1920\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides the units at the very top of the dialogue box, the\ndata table presents the input of the source file. You need to assign the\ncolumns to their correct property. The default is set to \u201cNone\u201d to all entries\nin the drop-down menu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not essential to provide the station information.\nHowever, it increases the accuracy of the axis definition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the source file is a text file it becomes essential to\ndivide the inputs with a separator. The kind of separator can be selected in\nthe Dropdown menu during the import. Depending on the uses spreadsheet\napplication you might need to choose a specific decimal separator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, to place the alignment in the Revit project, pick one\nof the available positioning options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>by Alignment Location &#8211; places the start\npoint of the axis always at the internal origin<\/li><li>by Project Base Point &#8211; places the axis\naccording to the project coordinates<\/li><li>by Shared Site &#8211; places the axis according\nto the shared coordinates<\/li><li>by Internal Origin &#8211; places the axis\naccording to the internal Revit coordinates<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As the axis information is based on\ncoordinates performing any modifications based on element types isn\u2019t an option\nfor this input method. The horizontal and vertical options are locked when\nopening the editing axis dialogue box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201cUpdate Existing Axis\u201d option is also available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch the Video<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Check-out the video to see the new Import feature in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"SOFiSTiK Bridge Modeler for Revit 2019 - New Feature &quot;Axis Import&quot;\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CyjGCquG_8s?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wrap-Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As the majority of the infrastructure projects are developed\non road alignment in civil software applications, so it\u2019d be pointless not to\nutilise the already available information. The new \u201cImport\u201d functionality boosts\nthe efficiency tremendously by saving time on entering the bridge relevant road\nalignment information manually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you haven\u2019t tested the SOFiSTiK Bridge Modeler for Revit 2019 yet &#8211; you\u2019ll find an introduction webinar as well as the link to the 30-day trial version on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sofistik.com\/products\/bim-cad\/bridge-modeler\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SOFiSTiK Bridge Modeler product page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/open?id=1DsAp7HT5Kw6wPpUkSaaikcWr_J245BeS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download the alignment files to test the different import options.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plugin version: SOFiSTiK Bridge Modeler v2019-2 for Revit 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The new \u201cImport\u201d functionality boosts efficiency tremendously by importing the bridge alignment. Learn more about the new feature.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6833,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[19,12],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sofistikforyou.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1911"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sofistikforyou.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sofistikforyou.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sofistikforyou.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sofistikforyou.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1911"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sofistikforyou.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1911\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sofistikforyou.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6833"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sofistikforyou.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1911"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sofistikforyou.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1911"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sofistikforyou.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1911"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}