This eSeminar was originally presented on June 05th, 2012.
You can view the recording online at our BeConnected site (click here).
The following are the product-related questions and corresponding answers from the eSeminar.
- Q: How about BOM (bill of material)?
A: ProConcrete can create bending bar schedules and BOM the same way simply by selecting a different form which will create a list for concrete instead of rebar.
- Q: Does the Lap tool work or make stagger? Can this product handle staggered splices? When you place your slab bar, does it automatically lap and stagger?
A: Yes, ProConcrete has a parametric lap splice command. Automatic staggered bars can be accomplished by creating two rebar sets.
- Q: How does this product compare to Bentley PowerRebar? Is ProConcrete a replacement for Bentley Rebar or does it basically make PowerRebar obsolete? Will this work for bridges? How well does ProConcrete adapt to bridge sturctures? Can this be used in a bridge deck, abutment application? Could this software be used for bridge abutments and wingwalls? Do you default bridge elements deck, abutment, pier etc. included in the software? Compare Rebar to ProConcrete.
A: Simply put, if you are detailing complex reinforced structures, such as buildings, plants, retaining walls, etc., ProConcrete is the perfect tool to add to your software suite. If you are detailing bridges, Bentley Rebar and/or PowerRebar should be your rebar detailing solution.
- Q: Will this software check ACI code? What other international codes are supported? What international bar sizes are supported?
A: ProConcrete is delivered with ACI, British, Australian, New Zealand, and Swedish standards; additional standards (bar bends, bar diameters) can be easily added.
- Q: Does this package support SI/Metric Units?
A: Yes, ProConcrete supports any combinations of imperial and metric units.
- Q: What types of Model files can ProConcrete import? Can the model be taken into RAM or STAAD to be analyzed? Does it interface with Revit? Can you import the model into other company structural products like ETABS or SAP for analysis and design?
A: ProStructures, which is a suite consisting of ProConcrete and ProSteel, can round-trip with all Integrated Structure Modeling (ISM; http://communities.bentley.com/products/structural/w/structural__wiki/integrated-structural-modeling-home.aspx) compatible solutions like Revit, Tekla, Dlubal, RAM, STAAD. ProStructures can import / reference DWG and DGN files. In addition, ProConcrete can import and reinforce any kind of solid objects, i.e. from Catia, Inventor, Solidworks, Solidedge, STEP.
- Q: Can files be exported / integrated with Navisworks software or other 3D modeling programs?
A: Using ProConcrete for AutoCAD, users can create DWF files which can be opened in Navisworks to show the model and perform clash detections. In addition, ProConcrete for MicroStation can create a 3D PDF, iModel, DWG, DGN, ISM, IFC. Also see question number 6.
- Q: Who and how are you receiving the files from the structural steel contractor to clash detect? What file type can be read for this process? Can you draw in steel piles in the foundations?
A: ProConcrete is part of ProStructures software suite, along with ProSteel. ProSteel is an application for steel modeling and detailing, and can run in the same session with ProConcrete. Via ProSteel, users can import SDNF, CIS/2, and other steel formats. ProConcrete can import and reinforce a wide variety of file formats, including Iges, Parasolid, ACIS, Step, STL, DGN, DWG, ISM, and many more. Also see question number 6.
- Q: How do we get the continuing education credits? How can I get a certificate of attendance of CEU's?
A: Bentley Learning Units (BLU), Bentley Institute’s equivalent to Professional Development Hours (PDH), are granted for the live and recorded eSeminar. Within 2-4 weeks of watching the presentation, Learning Units are added to your transcript. To access your transcript, go to www.bentley.com/mylearninghistory. On the "My Learning History" page, there is a detailed how-to guide related to Learning Units and transcripts, in addition to the link to the user’s online transcript. In most states, users can submit their Bentley transcripts for consideration for continuing education credit toward their registration renewals.
- Q: When data is pulled from models and a change is made does this software recognize a change as parametric?
A: Yes. Each object in the 3D model knows when it gets exported, or if it is part of a schedule / BOM, 2D drawing, or database. If there is a modification in the 3D model, ProConcrete will update all "external documents." Also see question number 6.
- Q: Can the ProConcrete reference all type of common 2D files into a 3D model? Can these reference files be turned on and off during your modeling process?
A: Yes, ProConcrete is based on either MicroStation or AutoCAD, therefore ProConcrete can import or reference any common 3D or 2D file, switch them on and off, or use them for modeling (i.e. if you want to use a 2D file to create a 3D model from it).
- Q: Does it include pile cap design?
A: ProConcrete is able to model and reinforce pile caps.
- Q: What type of files can ProConcrete export?
A: ProConcrete can create a DWF file, 3D PDF, iModel, DWG, DGN and ISM / IFC. Also see question numbers 6 and 7.
- Q: Can we import at Revit model from a structural engineer? And place our rebar on that model?
A: Yes, ProConcrete can use ISM to import models from Revit to add reinforcement. Also see question number 6.
- Q: ProStructures is an add-on that opens inside of CAD or MicroStation? Or it is its own program? Is it compatible with Revit Structure as well?
A: ProConcrete runs on either MicroStation or AutoCAD. Regarding Revit: see question number 6.
- Q: Are you going to talk about how to transfer data from RAM concept to ProConcrete? Can we interfase this with analytical tool like RAM SS and STAAD Pro?
A: Not in this presentation, but ProConcrete uses ISM (Integrated Structure Modeling) to round-trip with RAM, RAM Concept, STAAD, Revit, and other solutions. Also see question number 6.
- Q: Does this program fascilitates concrete T beams?
A: Any kind of shapes can be modeled, reinforced, and detailed using ProConcrete.
- Q: Do we have to redraw the structure in ProConcrete, or will it read the elements from the design software?
A: ProConcrete uses ISM (Integrated Structure Modeling) to round-trip with RAM, RAM Concept, STAAD, Revit, and other solutions. See question number 6.
- Q: Does ProConcrete handle post-tensioning?
A: Not yet automatically. But with ProConcrete, users can model cables manually and place the terminators as cells/blocks.
- Q: Will Bentley continue to support AutoCAD users with this program and others such as Inroads indefinitely, or are there plans to discontinue that support and only support MicroStation users?
A: Bentley will continue to offer ProConcrete for AutoCAD users and support its users.
- Q: Does ProConcrete provide for concrete stairs?
A: Yes, ProConcrete includes an automated concrete stair command.
- Q: Can you extend Column bars extended into footing? And wall rebars as well into footing?
A: Yes, ProConcrete's settings in all rebar dialog boxes allow extending the bars into any other concrete object.
- Q: Are the dowels offset automatically from the column verticals?
A: Yes. In ProConcrete, dowel locations are adjusted automatically to align with the vertical rebar of the columns.
- Q: What shape codes do you use for the irregular rebar?
A: Shape codes are automatically matched to the building code shapes when a standard exists. Unlike other software tools, an added benefit is that when no standard exists, a custom shape is automatically created.
- Q: Could you show if the column has 5 bars on the outside face, but 4 vertical bars on the inside face?
A: Yes. Using ProConcrete, any configuration is possible.
- Q: Can this release rebar lists to aSa software and send to a network file for a tagging department to import and print tags?
A: Yes, when aSa production software is also being used, direct integration exists and no import is required.
- Q: We work in metric, you mentioned that this can be done. Is this done by just an option mode of selection or a configuration setting?
A: As previously mentioned, ProConcrete is delivered with ACI, British, Australian, New Zealand, and Swedish standards; additional standards (bar bends, bar diameters) can be easily added. Also, ProConcrete supports any combinations of imperial and metric units. Users can select the unit system and the proper code and template/seed file.
- Q: Can we have cover indication in these sections?
A: Current such ancillary dimensions can be added by the user.
- Q: What is the cost of this software?
A: ProConcrete is very competitively priced. Pricing can vary based on your organization's software configuration, quantity, location, etc. The best way to determine the cost of your investment is to contact Bentley.
- Q: Can level and text styles be mapped to different standards when creating 2D drawings?
A: Yes. 2D drawing production is very flexible and customizable in ProConcrete.
- Q: We currently use Bentley Rebar and have a typical list of bar shapes that we use and are activated for our use. Can these be imported into ProConcrete?
A: Not automatically, but all standard shape types are delivered with ProConcrete and users can easily add to or select bar shapes.
- Q: Is ProConcrete compatible with AutoCAD LT ?
A: ProConcrete cannot run on top of AutoCAD LT because there is no API, but ProConcrete files can be viewed in AutoCAD LT. ProConcrete can run on either AutoCAD or MicroStation.
- Q: Would it be practical to use this program for precast concrete?
A: Yes, ProConcrete will work for both precast and cast-in-place projects.
- Q: Does this program accommodate pre-tensioning the rebars or tendons for longer beam sections?
A: Not yet automatically, but users can model it "manually" and place the terminators as cells/blocks.
- Q: Can ProConcrete warn the designer that ACI codes are being violated in the design?
A: Structural design and analysis code checks are not automatically performed, however bending conditions are validated and minimum cover checks can be done by performing soft clash detection. For interaction with concrete design tools, see question number 6.
- Q: Will it quantify the concrete placed also? Different types, etc...
A: Yes, very thorough bill of material reports are produced for all concrete shapes.
- Q: Is there a class over the Bentley Enterprise Training Subscription (ETS) for what Gernot & Jim showed?
A: Not yet, but courses are currently being developed.
- Q: Can I use the client's (NYSDOT or VDOT) Bar Schedule Template as in Bentley Rebar 71?
A: No, the schedules are created with a form generator called List&Label. But it is very easy to create templates according to your specifications.
- Q: What differentiates ProConcrete from Tekla?
A: ProConcrete runs on both MicroStation and AutoCAD, not a proprietary platform. This makes it much easier to integrate into other solutions that serve the full life cycle--upstream and downstream. Also its level of automatic parametric rebar behavior and competitive pricing.
- Q: Is it possible to download a Trial ?
A: To ensure you are best equipped to evaluate ProConcrete, please contact Bentley to discuss a software trial.
- Q: Are you able to model embedded conduits, utilizing clash check, & show on 2D drawings?
A: Yes, embeds can be modeled either with ProSteel or as "standard" solid objects. Clash detection can be performed between these objects and displayed in the 2D drawings.
- Q: Is 'Bentley Navigator' a separate software? Is it looking at the live model?
A: Yes, Bentley Navigator is a separate software tool. And yes, it looks at the live model.
- Q: Can you determine clash detection between rebar, such as beam to column joints?
A: Yes, it is easy to perform clash detection between different sets of rebar, such as congested beam-to-column intersections.
- Q: Does the BOM and 2D automatically update if the 3D model is changed?
A: Yes, the user is notified of BOM or 2D drawings needing to be updated based on any changes to the 3D model. Changes to the 3D model are easily propogated to the BOM and 2D drawings with the push of a button.
- Q: Does MicroStation support worksharing? How can multiple users use one ProConcrete model?
A: MicroStation supports worksharing through reference files. Multiple user and office collaboration are easily handled through ProjectWise.
- Q: How does a system like this work with a rebar subcontractor?
A: This software was designed for rebar detailers, fabricators, contractors, and placers, as well as designers and engineers.
- Q: Will all the rebar detail data be complete and ready to import into fab production?
A: Yes, direct integration between ProConcrete and aSa rebar software solutions exists without the need for importing and exporting files.
- Q: Does ProStructures work only in AutoCAD & MicroStation? Or can you Use Revit?
A: It runs on either MicroStation or AutoCAD. Regarding Revit, see question number 6.
- Q: Can you import already created models from RAM, Revit, etc. into ProConcrete to add reinforcing and then reexport back to Revit or RAM?
A: Yes, RAM or Revit models can be imported through Integrated Structure Modeling (ISM) and reinforced in ProConcrete. Rebar is not exported back to RAM or Revit due to the level of detail in ProConcrete.
- Q: So this 3D concrete & rebar detailing software is only for detailing not for design, right?
A: This software was designed for designers and engineers, as well as rebar detailers, fabricators, contractors, and placers. For integration with structural design products, see question number 6.
- Q: Customization when calling out bar diameters, can you use a balloon shape for callout?
A: Callouts are currently text on lines, no balloon shapes available. It could be done, but it isn't implemented yet.
- Q: Will interface detection consider embedded plate anchor studs with rebar?
A: Yes, this is one of the strengths of ProConcrete.