SOFiSTiK | 2023 is here with groundbreaking new automatic analytical model generator for fastest BIM-based structural design of buildings

Nuremberg, August 2, 2022 - SOFiSTiK, provider of FEA, BIM, and CAD engineering software, today introduced the release of a new version of its structural engineering software. SOFiSTiK | 2023 stands for a significant increase in controllability. For the first time ever, users can now automatically generate analytical models for BIM-based building structures based on the Autodesk® Revit® 2023 platform. In addition, the proven AutoCAD®-based preprocessor SOFiPLUS now supports continuous member assignment for secure and efficient verification management in the overall model. The extended possibilities are rounded off by a completely new prestressing technology as well as additional functionalities for earthquake analysis, parametric bridge modeling, and structural detailing. With the new version, users thus benefit from full control and even more interfaces, making SOFiSTiK | 2023 software that puts you in the driver's seat.

The missing link for (BIM) building design projects: Automatic generation of analytical models

In the area of BIM for building design projects, version 2023 closes an important gap regarding the generation of reliable and verifiable analytical models in the BIM process. Due to the advancing digitalization of the construction industry, structural engineers are increasingly confronted with the requirement to not only generate 3D models directly in the BIM process but also keep calculation data in the BIM process. Depending on the modeling software, however, generating analytical models from the physical model involves a lot of time and effort. With the new SOFiSTiK Analytical Model Generator, version 2023 finally delivers the long-awaited tool that lets users generate a calculable finite element model from the BIM models in Revit with only a few clicks and settings. Common problems at component interfaces are solved with artificial intelligence. This significantly enhances efficiency in BIM planning processes as analytical models can not only be created automatically but are directly linked to the BIM model. The Analytical Model Generator also paves the way for working in an open BIM process since analytical models can easily be passed on in various formats using the IFC and SAF interfaces. This particularly applies to steel construction projects, where calculation results can now be transferred to IDEA StatiCa Connection via the SAF interface.

Full control in all areas

Version 2023 offers enhanced flexibility on various levels. Extensive optimizations with respect to the design elements provide users with a higher degree of freedom in the choice of their preferred SOFiSTiK tools for modeling. To achieve this, the established design elements concept for member assignment has been extended to the field- and time-tested AutoCAD-based preprocessor SOFiPLUS. Analytical models derived from BIM models can thus be post-processed more easily while new design elements such as plate and wall strips can be generated directly. The advantages of the member-oriented working method, such as better traceability and allocation in the building, therefore become available outside Revit and help users get faster and more reliable results all while reducing dependency on the tool. Following a frequent user request, further optimizations targeted the result outputs, which now allow users to compile and sort outputs according to individual needs and also output the results in DOCX format.

In line with SOFiSTiK’s international growth strategy, graphical components for pushover analysis, e.g., for the plastic design of bridge piers according to North American standards, complement the SOFiSTiK high-end packages 3D FEM ultimate and ultimate 50 and make the packages even more attractive for the international market. Furthermore, the successful functions of the axis-based technology CABD in bridge design can now also be used for the parametric specification of element thicknesses for shell element models.

In the growth area of digitalization in construction, digital twins in bridge design are increasingly moving into the general focus, but also that of the public sector. To extend the modeling capabilities of the powerful bridge tool SOFiSTiK Bridge + Infrastructure Modeler 2023 in this regard, important commands are now scriptable via the Dynamo visual programming environment. In addition, to meet future requirements requiring the BIM data models to be enriched with further execution details in terms of a paperless process, SOFiSTiK is actively pursuing its “BIM to field” approach and is continuously working on further efficient solutions. The SOFiSTiK Reinforcement (RC) 2023 packages, for example, can already be used to organize rebar and steel lists based on the concreting sequence.