A wide variety of analysis applications are used in different countries, which handle architectural models from ARCHICAD in different ways:
1.Some applications can open the IFC model from ARCHICAD, and then use it either as a reference model (placed on a protected layer), or convert it into a 2D or 3D Analysis model consisting of calculable lines and planes.
2.Other applications import the architectural floor plans, sections and elevations as reference drawings in formats such as DWG, then manually create an Analysis model.
3.Yet other applications import the architectural model via a third program - for example, they use Tekla Structures or Revit Structure to convert the architectural/structural model into an analysis model, and then import this analysis model, rather than importing the architectural model.
For more details on using IFC and DWG formats, see Working with IFC and Working with DWG/DXF Files.
Whether using IFC or DWG format to exchange data with analysis applications, it is recommended to narrow the architectural model to just the data needed by the engineer, and to use the translators, either predefined or custom. In the case of IFC, ARCHICAD includes a predefined translator for analysis programs, but naturally that can also be customized as needed, or new translators created.
See Prepare Architectural Model for Export.
For example, depending on the capabilities of the host structural application, you may wish to adjust the IFC Translator to enable support for grid-system export, which you may want to include in the IFC data to serve as a reference for 3D element positioning.
Most analysis applications support IFC, DWG and PDF formats for export, so you can import or place the engineer’s structural recommendations into the current ARCHICAD project. ARCHICAD contains functions that enable you to view the architectural and structural models separately or in integrated form.
See Visualization of Imported Content.
For structural models imported in IFC format, ARCHICAD enables you to utilize and check the profiles, materials and other properties suggested by the engineer.
See Imported Properties.
Also, ARCHICAD’s Detect IFC Model Changes feature can display the geometric modifications between two versions of a structural project.
See Managing Changes.
(Some structural applications, in turn, can display changes between two versions of an architectural model.)
Ask your partner which of these data exchange solutions is supported by his/her analysis application, and which of the modeling options and settings will best support your workflow with your structural engineer partner.