Navisworks 4D IFC

At the BIMDayOut event earlier this year (great event, hope it runs again next year) I presented some 4D IFC workflows from Grasshopper to Constructivity (still the only other software I know of reading and writing IFC4).  It was really encouraging to be able to show a virtual construction sequence in Constructivity but I found the software had issues with large scale geometry and strict requirements for the way data is defined.

What I've been working on now is an IFC import enhancement for Navisworks Manage 2014.

At this point in time, you can't create products in Navisworks from the API, but if you import the IFC using the native importer (IFC2x3 only), then you can run my IFC enhancer (plugin can be downloaded from http://www.geometrygym.com/downloads ) which can generate the timeliner tasks and identify the ifc products by their unique identifiers.

Grasshopper Definition  IFC file

I hope to improve further the sequencing calculations and add cost data.  If you have requests or suggestions, let me know.  I will also consider developing a similar utility for VICO or other software if the demand is there.

More D's for Grasshopper BIM

Recently I've been working on enabling more dimensions to Grasshopper BIM, primarily Planning and Costing.  I've just posted an installer (http://www.geometrygym.com/downloads ) that's capable of generating the attached program example (which is just like a Gantt chart just in Grasshopper format).

Grasshopper 0.9.0056 Definition Grasshopper 0.9.0014 Definition IFC4 created
This example creates a residential project construction program.  It demonstrates nesting tasks inside others, nominated precedence dependency (including lag time and start-finish or start-start type relationships) and nominating task duration.  It's also possible to assign task to work calendars defining working times  or exceptions (such as holidays or rostered days off).

At the moment there's not components to provide feedback such as collated/aggregated scheduled finish time etc, but this is certainly something I'll pursue.  Of a higher importance is probably to develop an importer for existing management software such as Microsoft Project (or other suggestions made by users) so that gantt charts (in a more typical/recognizable format) and reports can be generated there.

I've also started work on costing and resourcing metrics which I'll be posting soon.  I think what would also be impressive/useful with this is assigning products to tasks and creating a virtual build construction sequence within Grasshopper (or other software).

And remember this is all being managed within the IFC OpenBIM framework, so if you already use software capable of importing the model data, it's a really powerful opportunity.  At present I'm only generating IFC4 models as there are significant improvements in this area (but also means significant differences from IFC2x3) but if existing software only using IFC2x3 can be used I'll look at enabling "equivalent" IFC2x3 where possible.

Look forward to hearing suggestions and requests.

IFC Generating Quantity Measurements

I've just returned from two weeks of visiting various architecture and engineering firms in Paris and London, and one of the latest features that generated lots of interest is the new developments to generate quantity and
planning information within Grasshopper and Rhino3d.

Not only can you have real time response of these quantities, but also export these downstream to your other BIM software for use in schedules, reports etc etc.  I have set it up so the property sets and element quantities are fully customizable, so that you can ensure the attributes are tagged as your BIM software will recognize it (In the attached example, I've based this on a Revit sample file provided to me).

There's a lot more that I can enable with this including building services, costing, building performance etc etc, so if you have ideas or requests, please send them through.

Please test this out for yourself on this sample tower model, you'll need the latest IFC plugin.  Installation instructions: http://www.grasshopper3d.com/group/geometrygym/forum/topics/installing-geometry-gym

Grasshopper Model
IFC Model Data