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SteelVis (aka CIS/2 Viewer)
Description/Summary:SteelVis is a viewer for CIS/2 files and a translator from CIS/2 to IFC files. Uses are described below. The CIMSteel Integration Standards (CIS/2) is the product model and electronic data exchange file format for structural steel project information. CIS/2 is intended to create a seamless and integrated flow of information among all parties of the steel supply chain involved in the construction of steel framed structures. CIMsteel stands for the Computer Integrated Manufacturing of Constructional Steelwork. CIS/2 has been implemented as a file import or export capability by many steel design, analysis, engineering, fabrication, BIM, and construction software packages. A CIS/2 file exported by an analysis or design program could be imported into a detailing program to detail the connections. CIS/2 itself is not a software package that you buy. The user will see it as a file format, just like DXF is a file format, that is imported or exported in steel related BIM software. The CIS/2 standard covers everything from nuts and bolts to materials and loads to frames and assemblies. Structures can be represented as analysis, design, or manufacturing (detailed) models. Uses:Generating VRML SteelVis visualizes CIS/2 files by generating a VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) file that can be viewed in a web browser with freely available VRML plugins and software. SteelVis provides a variety of ways to view a CIS/2 file including how the model is colored, text popups, a summary table, and debugging features. Generating IFC SteelVis can translate a CIS/2 file into an IFC file. IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is the product model and file exchange format developed by buildingSMART to facilitate interoperability between BIM software in the building and construction industry. This capability is useful to transfer models from software that only exports CIS/2 files to BIM software that only imports IFC files but not CIS/2 files. IFC files generated by SteelVis can be imported to Google Sketchup with the IFC2SKP plugin. An IFC File Analyzer is also available. Generating a Spreadsheet (CIS/2 File Analyzer) SteelVis includes the CIS/2 File Analyzer, which generates a spreadsheet from a CIS/2 file. This is useful to inspect and debug the values and attributes in a CIS/2 file. Other SteelVis can also generate X3DOM files which can be viewed in some web browsers without a VRML or X3D plugin. The command line version of SteelVis can be embedded in other software packages. Sample Screenshots: |
DetailsVersion: 8.56 Last Updated: 22 Aug 2012 Type of software: Windows, command line, and web services versions Authors:System/Platform:SteelVis runs on Windows computers. The web services version of SteelVis can run on any Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. A VRML plugin or software is required to view the VRML files generate by SteelVis from CIS/2 files. Any version of Microsoft Excel is required run the CIS/2 File Analyzer. Instant Reality needs to be installed to generate X3DOM files (optional). Download information:Documentation:References/Credits/Disclaimers:SteelVis was developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology by employees of the Federal Government in the course of their official duties. Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code this software is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. This software is an experimental system. NIST assumes no responsibility whatsoever for its use by other parties, and makes no guarantees, expressed or implied, about its quality, reliability, or any other characteristic. Although SteelVis checks for many syntax errors and should create a VRML model that looks correct, it does not imply that the CIS/2 file conforms to the CIS/2 schema. Conformance to the schema can be checked with other tools. A VRML model that looks correct also does not imply that the CIS/2 file follows recommended practices, software implementers agreements, or that it can be imported into another CIS/2 application. CIS/2 was not developed by NIST or AISC, rather, NIST served on AISC's EDI Review Team that chose CIS/2 as the standard for structural steel project information. Contact
Robert Lipman, robert.lipman@nist.gov |
