** NOTE: Capabilities in this sidebar have been updated

See HERE for the latest experience

 

1.    Introducing the iTwin for Engineering Analysis

Engineers invest significant time building data rich 3D models for analysis and design. While the level of detail put into these models varies based on project complexity and objectives, they are nonetheless useful beyond a single engineer’s computer. Unfortunately, though, they are often used only for analysis and then discarded, or visited again only when absolutely needed. What if each engineering analysis model you develop could be used for collaboration, review, and exchange during the entire course of the project and beyond? This is the spirit of Bentley iTwins.

In November 2020, Bentley’s Engineering Simulation software products (STAAD, SACS, AutoPIPE, RAM) started to be integrated with Bentley iTwin Services. This will allow users to do more with the models they build in these applications without any disruption to the way the software is currently used. Further, this value will grow significantly over time. The most visible and immediate change you will notice in the software applications is a new add-in called iTwin Services. This will be presented as an in-product sidebar and common to all Engineering Simulation products that interact with the iTwin. This add-in will ‘house’ all the iTwin-enabled capabilities these applications offer.

Figure 1 - iTwin Services, available as in-product sidebar within any Engineering Simulation products that interacts with iTwin Services.

The in-product sidebar can be launched via the iTwin Services button in the ribbon or file menu (see Table 1). All Engineering Simulation software products expose the launching of the in-product sidebar via iTwin Services button.

Table 1 - iTwin Services button in Engineering Simulation products

Product	iTwin Services
STAAD.Pro Physical Modeler
RAM Structural System
RAM Concept
RAM Elements
AutoPipe
SACs

There will be multiple categories of functionality eventually offered under iTwins Services. The first is iTwin Design Review. This service allows a model created in an analytical desktop application to be converted into a point of collaboration hosted in the web that can be shared with any team member or stakeholder on a project.

With the release of iTwin Analytical Synchronizer V12, certain products (namely STAAD) has included Synchronizer capability. This service allows the user to:

• Push their application model changes to a source of truth (*.ism.dgn file or iTwin/iModel).
• Pull latest changesets from (*.ism.dgn file or iTwin/iModel) and merge into current application model.

Figure 2 - iTwin Design Review, select the highlighted option (Design Review) within the sidebar to get started Design Review. STAAD and other early adopters have also included Synchronizer functionality.