Is BimUp 5D As Good as it Appears?
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Andrew,
Firstly, let me thank you for interacting on this forum. It is one of the great things about SketchUcation that we are able to have a dialogue with the developers of various extensions and plugins (if we could just get John Bacus on here, that would be something).
I only looked at Plus Spec in a cursory manner (work is crazy at the moment and 8 days goes by before you know it)but did notice a few things.
If you want to do something which uses your current materials the modeling is great. The one issue I had is that the materials other than the core elements (studs, bricks, etc.) have no thickness. I understand this is a design decision that you have made but it is certainly contrary to my current practice. I always show the true wall thickness with regard to the exterior sheathing, stud and interior finish (the exterior finish thickness isn't drawn unless there is a particular requirement). I think this is quite common over here.
I didn't take off anything because all the materials are metric. The obvious imperial items are 2x4,2x6,2x8,2x10,and 2x12. Please note that the actual size of these is 1 1/2" x 3 1/2", 5 1/2", 7 1/4", 9 1/4", and 11 1/4". Sheathing items would include ply and OSB in 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 11/16", and 3/4" thicknesses. I'm sure if you already have a good amount of imperial items, that these would be already done.
I did notice that your stud walls had multiple rows of blocking and that I couldn't find a way to define the number of rows. We would never have the number of rows that are generated (unless there was a specific condition such as a shear wall). Is there a way to change this?
I guess this illustrates the basic problem with predefining everything. It seems to be a basic truth that anytime you use a new program that it doesn't do something that is very important to you. What are the customization possibilities within PlusSpec? This seems like like would be a significant concern.
This is quick reply and I will give PlusSpec a closer look as time permits ( I was able to reactivate my trial...thank you).
Great job so far. I am looking forward to see what comes next.
Regards,
KrisM -
Damn, no Mac version yet apparently. Bit of a deal breaker for me right now...
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@bigstick said:
Damn, no Mac version yet apparently. Bit of a deal breaker for me right now...
I don't know when it was added, but there is a Mac version available on their download page.
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Yes, Mac was released a few days ago.....
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Hi guys, as Andrew mentioned the fully functioning Mac version is available.
If your in the market for more professional Sketchup functionality now is the time to get Plusspec. http://Www.plusspec.com -
Looks to me the two products are fundamentally different. One locks you into specific modeling elements that they deem necessary and appropriate...Plusspec. Models are not generated outside of their prepackaged configurations and the models do not appear to include things like electrical and plumbing. BIMUp 5d on the other hand does not model anything. The product allows you to create take offs and reports and perform calculations on your model. So if I wanted a detailed report on components in My model then BIMUP 5 d is the way to go. If I want a tool to quickly build a model with some level of detail, then plan plus might be an alternative...however, there are more robust products available that are more comprehensive for structure modeling. So the idea of comparing the two is really not fair as they do very different things...
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Yes I agree that PlusSpec and BIM up 5d are substantially different products, however, it seems that youâve missed out on many of PlusSpecâs great features and qualities. PlusSpec actually has a full library of actual products that are pre-attributed that can be found here (http://rubysketch.com/search?ModelFileType=120). PlusSpec also has much more freedom that you think, with a BIM tool that allows you to attribute models from the warehouse or, if youâd like, even reattribute BIM up models. PlusSpec allows you to draw from ten different categories, however, with these wall types it also allows you to attach different materials, have variable cavity sizes, add insulation properties, control stud spacing, manage layers and many other things, itâs a very long list.
We understand that PlusSpec as it is may be powerful and intuitive, but itâs not perfect, however, weâre currently working hard to get it to be the best it can and weâre pleased to say that PlusSpec is due for a full release very soon. Our end users have said that their biggest concern is to have more freedom and our official release will answer those concerns and many more. PlusSpec may seem simple and confining, but perhaps itâs just that it is incredibly easy to use that it seems that way, if you give it a go and really get into it, youâll find that it opens up a great world of functionality that is pleasantly surprising. Get your free trial here https://buy.plusspec.com/trial and give it a go, and thank you for your comments, itâs always great to hear from the SketchUp community!
I attached an image that should help explain.
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/interesting...i didn't respond intending to draw a defensive response but simply to demonstrate that the two apps are inherently different and not really comparable. As for the benefits, those interested in your app may find value, however; now that you've expressed flexibility I have one question... i really Do not know the answer to this but I have not seen integration for SIP panels. have I missed something, can walls and roofs be built with SIP'S in your app? Framed and routed for electric and plumbing? Thanks, Rich
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Hi Rich,
Thank you for your response,
Youâre right about SIP panels, they are a great way to build and we would love to add a system into PlusSpec. However, in my experience with SIP panels, manufacturers have many different ways of implementation such as mitred corners, but joints, panel in track, panel over track, snap joints, just to name a few. Also too there several variables with Sips and having an automated Sip system would make the process so much easier an enable more users to specify, for example: Some sip panel systems have a structural element in the join and some use the external lining and the adhesion to the core gives structural integrity. The panels that have a 3ft /1200m span can be restrictive when it comes to window locations. Yes it is possible to automate this process parametrically yet this also restricts the user by the inherent nature of the particular wall system.SIP panels themselves are a different animal and although they are gaining traction in the lower end of the construction industry the system could still do with improvement, although I have not seen all the systems. In my opinion, I doubt the SIP systems I have seen will ever be the main stream, as modular construction simply makes more sense. Building a completed structure in a factory, like they do cars, seems to be the obvious choice as quality control scaffolding, machinery , tooling can be done in all weather conditions, not to mention the ability to buy materials in bulk.
As I've mentioned though, we here at PlusSpec love hearing from our users, in that, we are constantly catering to the majority demands of our user community as well as catering for the highest percentage of houses built and wall categories. So Rich, you are in a great position to recommend us an SIP manufacturer that you think would be good for use and we would be excited to contact them if the PlusSpec user community is on board!The best thing about PlusSpec though is that it works inside of Sketchup and you can draw whatever you want, use the BIM tool and create an array, and you can quantify whatever you want, open the PlusSpec wall and rout, add plumbing or whatever to your heart's content. PlusSpec simply makes designing and building faster for the majority of designers and builders even more so when you take the bill of materials into account. PlusSpec is simply ten times faster than any program I have ever seen or used.
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I have many more examples of work designed and build with Plusspec and I have vast experience with construction. Please feel free to ask, I will answer when I can.
Heres the latest houses just completed with PlusSpec. I'd like to see some of the Sip projects you mention included in PlusSpec, if you could add some photos that would be great.
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Plusspec,
I was chosen
to find out what software to use for BIM.
At the office I work everyone was telling me about Revit and that's the program we have to use. I want to show them that it's possible with SU.
But still have a lot of questions.-
What about manufacturers in Europe (The Netherlands).
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I want to create my own profiles for the windows/doors, is that possible? We do a lot of restoration projects and nothing is standard.
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Same with the walls.
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If A builder uses the exported IFC file (from SU) can he continue with that file (in REVIT, Archicad etc.), can he extract quantities from the objects, time schedule etc. etc. and does 3rth parties like a constructor (structural engineer) can use/adjust the model for their proceedings.
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When I make a window is it possible to tag that window (automatically), and I want to use them to make a window plan with the windows separately in front view/plan view/section (see attachment). Is this possible?
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Room tags with area information (m2 and m3).
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Translation in Dutch. Is there a translation or can we do that our selfs.
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Does someone in The Netherlands already make use of Plusspec? Is there a way to contact them or are they on the forum.
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Line thickness, will that be implemented with LOD?
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Is section pattern (like Skalp) possible for all the elements like wall, framing, structural concrete etc. etc.
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When I buy a license, how is the updating process arranged. Is it a 1 time investment or does it come with a maintenance (like SU). It's not very clear on the site, only $795,-
Okay I think this is it for the moment. But I just got the trial so there will be more questions.
Sander
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