This wiki technical page supported Professor Martin Fischer's VDC course and is modified as lessons are learned and lab/class-based experiences are validated on the Merced99 experiment, please feel free to provide a peer review of this page (email granite@stanford.edu for a username and password). As a 'living draft' understand that the expectation for spelling, grammar, and style are relaxed as well as the peer review process is incomplete. The technical knowledge contained on this page is critical to the implementation of Virtual Design and Construction; please feel free to reuse and share this knowledge, please cite as:

“CIFE Wiki Technical Report: Integrated Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) System.” CIFE wiki. Stanford University Center for Integrated Facility Engineering. Last accessed dd month yyyy. http://cife.stanford.edu/wiki/doku.php?id=cee241:software

*you must be logged-in to view these graphics, similar graphics are published in the references listed at the bottom of this page.

This first graphic provides an overview of the information flows, process sequence, software tools and Product-Organization-Process (POP) concepts.

A general overview of the information flow in the integrated Building Information Model (BIM) system.

A detailed graphic of exactly how this information is exchanged. This graphic was intended to be a draft that would change but due to changing priorities has only one additional iteration, that contains significant errors. In the CEE241 lab one we covered the top three software tools, Revit, Primavera, Navisworks and the bottom production library RSMeans. In lab two we used the remaining software tools.

Link to powerpoint slide representing integrated system: scope-time-cost

Specific system used in 2008

Software license and contacts

We use some of the Project management software listed below in the CEE 241 Managing Fabrication and Construction course. Download the software. Then, contact customer support and make a support request (good to have an open request made prior to actually needing it), ensure the software functions properly on your machine and familiarize yourself with the graphical user interface. You need a working knowledge of these tools. Prior to each class phase, the TA will provide a tutorial session to review the software tools. Everything you need to build a VDC workstation (except direct funds) is on this page.

This page does not provide a complete representation of VDC software tools, the CIFE iRoom software tool page has a spreadsheet of the specific tools installed on each lab machine (out of date now).

These software tools, or their equivalent in successive quarters, should be installed on all the CIFE iRoom lab machines. The TA should request (don't take no) a BETA version from each vendor when the CEE241 class starts in the Autumn and provide feedback throughout the course to the vendor. Provide the installation file and license to Marc mramsey@stanford.edu for the lab machine clone. A relationship and collaboration with vendors is important so that CIFE maintains a presence. We then can ensure the vendors have a complete solution. Most of the following software application tools were successfully tested with Win7 x64.

For a review of available software tools and the degree of industry use, the annual CFMA IT survey is a good resource, http://www.cfma.org/it_survey.

Be aware of these issues, if you find anything, add it to the list, please include the date and software version (use help menu in software to see the exact version). Every year issues disappear, new issues appear, and old ones reappear - if new contact the vendor for support - feedback from the vendor is usually “we never tested that specific scenario, thank you for finding this, we will fix it in the next release, for now here is a patch or workaround.”

• Install Navisworks after Revit (2009/2010)
• keep the .nwc (all use .nwc in addition to Revit export) together with the .nwf Navisworks file (2009/2010)
• the option for .mpp only appears once MS project is installed (2008)
• Navisworks 2011 x64 v8.0.0.60144
  • cannot open 2011 in Navis 2010 without saving as earlier format in 2011 (8/2010)
  • links tab attempts to open MSProject, dialog box provides option to retry, after several attempts the box goes away and the links tab opens, appears to go away once MSProject 2010 is installed (8/2010)
  • raise oracle db priority to resolve (improve) busy issue in navisworks (3/2011)
  • if in C3D the file is saved with layers off then in Navis2011 those layers will lose the attached links to schedule activities, therefore requiring relinking the entire model if all the layers were off.

• To use the SDK ODBC connection between Primavera and Navisworks the Primavera SDK (Software Development Kit) must be installed on the machine. You must install Primavera twice or select custom install to install other components feature, this includes the SDK integration with Navisworks. When installing the second time, the install files must be in the exact same location as the first install.
  • Navisworks 2009.1 crashes when linking to Primavera P6.1 SQL running Vista NW 2009, Autodesk has indicated they will correct this bug found by the cee241 students when they build the 2010 version.
  • Navisworks 2009.1 + Primavera P6.1 SQL + Vista = no schedule link (use Jetstream v5 to link), the following work-around on Vista machines works, follow these steps:
    
    • install Navisworks 2009.1
    • export the 3D model from Revit Architecture 2009 to Navisworks 2009.1
    • open the .nwc exported file in Navisworks 2009.1 and save it as the older type so Jetstream can open it
    • then link the file to Primavera in Jetstream

• Select Primavera (P6.1|P7.0|P8.3) custom install/'advanced install' and select other components 'click the red X icons for “Software Development Kit SDK' (or install Primavera twice from exact same method, i.e., CD, USB, AFS) or Navisworks and Control will not link with SQL database (2009/2010/2013)
• By default P6.1|P7.0 does not show activities (select in filter) or directory toolbar (right click and select) (2009/2010)
• Primaver P6.1 if installed under admin credentials will not work under user credentials. Securities on a dozen folders must be changed.
• Primavera export to Microsoft Project will not open in Navisworks (2009)
• If you upgrade from Primavera P5.0 to P6.1, you must uninstall everything, including SQL database, restart machine, then install P6.1
• The P5.0 version seem more stable, if you are using an XP OS consider installing this version.
• P6.1 minimum is required if you are running greater than the Windows Vista OS.
• After installing Primavera on lab machines you must change the registry to allow non-admin users access to the application; see instructions here.
• Converting a SureTrak | P3 prx file to P6 xer file (3/2011):
  • change the prx extension to exe and self extract through a Virtual Machine x32 OS http://www.planningplanet.com/forums/primavera-version-pm5-pm6/417836/prx-file-open-p6 (3/2011)
  • copy the folder with the extracted P3 files to a local drive; import to P6 from a the AFS server caused an error (3/2011)
  • P3 will not install on a virtual machine running x32 OS from an iso virtual CD http://www.planningplanet.com/forums/primavera-project-planner-p3/422237/installing-p3-64-bit-os#comment-65382 try XP-mode http://bim.typepad.com/synchro/2011/01/using-primavera-p3-with-synchro.html (3/2011)
  • User defined columns made in P6 are imported to P3 but the entries in the column are lost. If the entries are made in P3 to the user defined column and then exported to P6 they are kept. But if exported from P6 back to P3 the entries are again lost.

• In Revit, MasterFormat must be manually designated while Uniformat is automatic (2009)
• AutoDesk technical support is a misnomer

• Sage-Timberline v9.5 & v9.6 cannot install over network but will if folder is copied to C: drive
• Sage-Timberline existing license, doggles, and database does not work with v9.7

• Vico Control 2008|2009 has option to export to Primavera SQL, but does not work and if it does it does not include activity codes (2009/2010)
  • Vico Control 2009 v4.0.30.53937 import option from ODBC-source Primavera P6 SDK returns an error (2010)
  • Vico Software Technical Support reference case ID is TT#12526
• Vico Control export to Microsoft Project does not include activity codes (2009)

See Min, Henning, and Rene

• Crashed when creating a new project; solution: uninstall “Windows Live ID Manager” through control panel\
• A refresh issue; Solution: Do not install over the existing version, you must uninstall Vico Office and Versant database before installing a new version.

• Timberline add-on is for Timberline v9.5.0

• ilink Architecture 2009 does not work with Architecture 2010 (2010)
• ilink Architecture does not work in Civil 3D (2011)
• ilink ACAD cannot call to the QM server through a VMware virtual machine (2011)

• Tocoman Construction Model Server does not have copy/paste function (2008/2009)

• Project 2010 opens *.mpp files and with a change to file/options/trustCenter/trustCenterSettings/legacyFormats/allowLoadingFiles the *.mpx format is also opened. Only *.mpp can be saved. Indicating the Scitor *.mpp to *.mpx converter download, discussion forum , is a useful tool. This is important because:
  • Navisworks 2011: imports 2000 to 2007 *.mpp (presumably also 2010 but not tested yet) and *.mpx
  • Primavera: imports xml and mpx, and exports *.xml (2002/3), *.xml (2007), *mpp, and *.mpx
  • Synchro: imports and exports *.mpx
  • Vico Control 2009: imports and exports *.mpx
• MS Office 2010 x64 requires uninstalling MSProject 2007 and other 32bit MSsoftware (8/2010).

• does not handle 2011 Autodesk Civil 3D objects (2011)

• good explode of 2011 Autodesk Civil 3D objects (2011)

AFS is server space provided by Stanford University. A benefit of the AFS is the ability to edit files without downloading to your local machine.

Note: Do not provide write privileges to the AFS folders holding executable files. The write privileges must be constrained to a select group of users who understand the significance and relevance of virus security procedures. See Marc Ramsey (mramsey@stanford.edu) for this knowledge.

Install the Open AFS Client and the Kerberos authentication service on your machine.\

Once installed you can access the the folders by:

• mapping to the network folder, for example \\afs\ir.stanford.edu\class\cee241\ or
• the Open AFS client; Start → Programs → Stanford → OpenAFS → Open AFS Client and select Class in the Mount volume belonging to… and type cee241 and hit Mount. If everything is working as it should a window will open with the AFS Class folder, and
• online through AFS web access

What hardware setups work with the integrated project planning tools used in this course? Please share setups that work for you, particularly those using Mac and lower-end systems. Even the high end systems do not work without VDC specific modifications.

Empirically, we [the TAs] found that the integrated software applications are particular to the hardware & OS setup; here are a few guidelines:

• Stay with Win7 x64
  • Do not use Windows Vista There are compatibility issues and the OS is crap compared to Windows XP (Server 2003) or Win7 (Server 2008R2). You can get the software tools to work but you are also wasting your time.
  • Mac users: Although it is possible to get the software tools to work on a virtual machine, such as Parallels Desktop for Mac, you are more likely to get everything to work if you run Windows XP or Win7 directly on the hardware, such as BootCamp, to set up XP, Win7, and OSX as boot alternatives.
  • Android (Linux) OS - starting in 2011 this operating system is gaining construction applications
• Be aware that Primavera <P6.7 & Timberline v9.5 use SQL databases installed as background services, that is, you will have two databases running in the background. These consume system resources so you may want to shut them down when not using Primavera and/or Timberline.
• Memory: fill up the RAM to greater than 24GB (3 slots) on Intel machines and 16GB (2 slots) on AMD [probably not cost effective until after 2011]. Some software cannot run in a x64 environment and for these install a virtual machine (VM) such as VMware; some software applications tools that are no longer supported but are still useful for integration solutions will have issues with a VM environment and for these use a second HD and boot in a native x32 OS. The parametric 3D modeling applications appear to respond well to faster harddrives, the solid state drives reduce startup times for Navisworks from 2 minutes to 20 seconds and have a similar effect when saving the 3D model.
• Graphics: Your graphics card is important when running 3D simulations or rendering - else it is nearly irrelevant. You have either a dedicated graphics card with its own dedicated RAM card or integrated graphics that shares the motherboard RAM with your operating system. A dedicated graphics card is a separate circuit board that is replaceable unless it is soldered to the motherboard. Integrated graphics is a chip soldered to the motherboard; it is permanent and therefore a limiting constraint for the useful life.
• Processor: The central processing unit (cpu) can be changed to extend life, some are soldered and are permanently attached to the mother board, therefore another constraint for the useful life.
• Hardrive: many computers are configured with a harddrive made from a rotating assembly and a magnetic reader attached to arms that sweep across the platter face - similar to the 19th century vinyl record player technology. A nonmechanical harddrive technology is the solid state drive (SSD), performance and shock resistance is vastly improved.
• Example setup
  • [OBSOLETE 2010] Laptop 14" HP dv2000 low-end laptop: software, components, settings, and performance benchmark
  • [MINIMAL 2012 - OBSOLETE 2013] Tower MER99 tower: software, components, settings, and performance benchmark
  • [TEST SETUP 2011 - UNUSABLE] Mobile testing android-based HTC
  • [MINIMAL 2013] W011ER 3.7Ghz QuadCore Ivy Bridge w/ 8GB 1877Mhz RAM and SSD3 + lap fan; seems to work well, a bit warm MER99 laptop

The following are examples of laptop and desktop vendors, these are not endorsements and the index has not been pragmatically validated though it seems logically valid. The examples are given here to show a comparison analysis example and a start in your search for a vendor; the example values are as of March 2011. Check reviews and call to speak with several vendors to get a 'feel' for how responsive they are before making a purchase. If you are making a purchase through an institution and will use a Purchase Order (PO) be aware that some of the lower indexed vendors are accustomed to taking direct credit payment from an individual and will be confused by the PO, same with your PO issuing department with the smaller vendor's accountant, so allow a couple weeks to get through this learning process as they swap invoices and POs until they match or get the PO in advance. The plus is that these vendors provide essentially 'open source' hardware and are an alternative to the well known but also potentially 'locked-up' hardware from Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, and Sony. The flexibility to specify the machine components and an open BIOS is important to adapt to a wider range of integrated VDC solutions with less IT support expense. You will notice that most of these are directed at gamers, they focus on this market but are usually knowledgeable and have a smaller market to 3D modeling workstations; maybe the same machine just without the glass windows, neon lights, glow in the dark cables, and tomb raider graphics, unless you really like these.

1: Stars are out of 10
2: Index equation [(stars/maxStar) * (#reviews/Ave#reviews)]; average # of reviews is 550

• CSI wiki software page
• Wikipedia Virtual Design and Construction software page

[1] Obonyo, E., ”Towards Agent-augmented Ontologies for Educational VDC Applications,” Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITCon), Vol 15, June 2010.

Peterson, F., Fischer, M., and Tutti, T. “Integrated Scope-Schedule-Cost Model System for Civil Works”, K. Belloni, J. Kojima, I. Seppä (Editors), “VTT Symposium 258: CIB 1st International Conference on Improving Construction and Use Through Integrated Design Solutions (IDS)”, Julkaisija - Utgivare, Helsinki, Finland, pp 176 – 199, 2009. ISBN 978-951-38-6341-8

Peterson, F., Fischer, M., Seppänen, O., Tutti, T., See, R., and Wingate, T. “Teaching Integrated Scope-Cost Methods with Model-based Tools”, A. Dikbas, E. Ergen, H. Giritli (Editors), “Proceedings of the 26th International Conference on Managing IT in Construction / Managing Construction for Tomorrow”, 2010 Taylor and Francis Group, London, UK, pp 63 – 73, 2009. ISBN 978-0-415-56744-2

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