Save Time by Integrating Revit and Tekla Structural Designer

On most projects, no one modeling software application provides all the functionality needed for the full project lifecycle. Find out how Tekla Structural Designer’s Integrator tool uses OpenBIM standards to seamlessly exchange modeling data with Autodesk Revit.

When software developers introduced building information modeling (BIM) applications, the objective was to improve productivity and reduce construction project management costs. Unfortunately, the technology hasn’t fully realized its potential because many construction modeling applications don’t communicate well with one another.

BIM works best with open technology standards. Increasingly, architects, engineers, and technicians want to collaborate using integrated software tools that exchange data reliably.

No One Software Delivers End-to-End Modeling Functionality

As a rule, no individual software solution delivers the full functionality to complete every modeling task in an end-to-end construction project. This can create information silos between applications and data formats.

These silos force teams to rework models and spend time interpreting information verbally or through email. The solution is to choose applications that automatically exchange data via open standards.

BuildingSmart International is a worldwide organization committed to creating and adopting open, international standards for the building industry. They’re the group behind standards like IFC, bSDD, and BCF.

BuildingSmart also sets the standards for OpenBIM, a building information modeling format with a standard communications protocol. OpenBIM enables everyone involved with a project to use the best tools for the work they do on a vendor-neutral basis.

The goal of OpenBIM is to enable the full range of applications used on a building project to communicate efficiently with one another. This approach lets team members reuse BIM data in the best tool for the task at hand.

Tekla Integrator Converts Revit Data Precisely Using OpenBIM

Tekla Integrator for Revit draws on OpenBIM protocols to precisely synchronize models between Autodesk Revit 2023 and Tekla Structural Designer. So, for example, during the analysis stage, architects can create accurate design intent models using Revit.

Then, they can use Integrator to share modeling data with structural engineers. The engineers can import the shared information and get started on design and detailed modeling using Structural Designer.

Integrator accurately converts Revit data for Structural Designer to re-use. Engineers who prefer to work in Structural Designer can apply the converted information to eliminate time-consuming rework and error correction.

The integration process can begin either in Tekla Structural Designer or in Revit. Integrator can synchronize tools in either direction as needed.

The synchronization can intelligently map sections or family types between modeling applications. Teams can also save customized mapping routines for later use.

Users can filter categories of objects like walls, slabs, or braces. The system can generate log reports at any phase of the collaboration.

Exchange Structure Models with No Detail Loss

No matter how complex the project, teams can exchange concrete and steel structure models between Structural Designer and Revit with no detail loss. Models can travel back and forth in either direction as many times as necessary.

Teams can note changes with unique system IDs and add colour-coding or highlighting. The updates appear in both applications to indicate the integration status, facilitating verification and modification. Applications can also exchange information like end forces web openings and stiffeners.

The integrator makes the process of analysis, design, and modeling efficient, uniform, and automatic. The result is more accurate physical member modeling and mapping, saving valuable staff time.

The integration between Tekla Structural Designer and Revit is rated best-in-class for managing concrete and steel construction projects. Engineers across the globe work leverage this integration to apply constructible detail to structural designs. The resulting models can then guide fabrication and construction.

BuildingPoint Canada Can Help

Using Tekla Structural Designer Integrator, you can use OpenBIM standards to re-engineer your design team’s communication processes. This eliminates rework and improves quality and accuracy.

Why not contact BuildingPoint Canada to discuss how you and your team can create 3D structural models that harness the best features of both Autodesk Revit and Tekla Structural Designer? We can help unlock those quality and productivity improvements that BIM has always had the potential to deliver.