The new version of the DICAD STRAKON 2022 software for the design of reinforcement and prefabricated structures sets new standards in BIM, in the structural design and architecture field.
After three years of complete overhaul, the third generation of reinforcement software has now reached a neven higher level of performance. We included not only the knowledge of our programmers that are developing the software for a decade, but also numerous user suggestions and wishes.
That is why STRAKON 22 is a modern and practical solution for digital, flexible design of reinforcement in BIM. Model – oriented solution ”Cube reinforcement” allows faster, more intuitive and direct design of reinforcement in 3D, and now also for circular components (circular columns and similar). For example, the new ”free laying” function supports faster formwork-independent design of reinforcing bars and meshes when it is not possible to connect the edges of the formwork directly. Since you can copy reinforcement from one ”Flex-part” to another, as well as store them in the library as a copy of reinforcement for late ruse, it is now easier to manage similar or repetitive reinforcement situations. With the so called “PXML mrežama” ‘Cube reinforcement’ now also supports mechanical design and numerical control of mesh welding systems.
Easier collaboration on project models
Compared to the conventional model, in which 3D models are stored in drawings, the new project model offers advantages, especially for joined editing of large projects: the complete model is in the STRAKON project map, where all project members can edit and track project changes.
In order for all participants to know who is allowed to make changes in which area of the project, the project is divided into submodels. Submodels allow you to quickly show and hide model areas and control the allocation of rights. The editor can also make changes to different submodels on different floors. Older project statuses can be ‘invoked’ at any time via automatic project backup, and project partners without direct access to the project model can also be integrated into the design process. This makes joined processing of the project, such as architectural and structural design in one from different locations, more practical. In prefabricated construction, workshop drawings can be transferred to a project model to be used as templates for the next component. In addition to editing your own ”Flex-Parts” on workshop drawings, you can also access other items in the project without having to change the drawings.
More convenient communication via BCF Manager
STRAKON 2022 also supports the standard buildingSMART format BCF, which makes communication between project partners more convenient. The BIM Collaboration format simplifies the exchange of information, tasks or questions with colleagues and partners as part of joint project planning. In addition to textual information, the BCF message also contains the location of the corresponding object in the model, including the viewing direction and the screenshot. That way the person working with you immediately sees what it’s all about.
You can exchange BCF messages with collaborators, for example via email. Online communication is facilitated through the BIM Collaboration – this ”BCF Manager” integrated into STRAKON 2022. This allows discussion of errors, deviations or collisions detected directly in the STRAKON software, and the exchange of relevant information.
Open BIM using IFC files
As IFC data exchange is increasingly used to exchange BIM models or coordinate specialized models, STRAKON also supports OpenBIM processes with a certified IFC version 4 interface.
The new version of STRAKON 2022 automatically converts the walls in the IFC file into ‘Cube walls’ elements, which you can then edit as ordinary Cube walls or turn them into multi-layer walls.
They can be manipulated via model editing points or information such as width and height can be used to automatically mark on a drawing. Negative objects (for openings) and wall openings are also exported as IFC objects, including all data. This simplifies, for example, recesses, grooves and designing with partners.
Parametric design of bridges for greater flexibility
The functionally improved module for the design of bridges and tunnels in STRAKON 2022 enables automated BIM design of bridges, tunnels and engineering structures.
The appropriate BIM model can be customized at any time and serves as a basis for generating drafts with automated curves, longitudinal and cross – sections. New in STRAKON 2022 are additional horizontal and vertical curves, with which you can very easily create extensions, protrusions etc. in bridges. Longitudinal curve cross-sections can now also be entered more easily and give optimal results, for example when designing substructures: they are not displayed as uncomposed cross-sections but perpendicular to the longitudinal section, with the correct lenghts according to the bridge structure.
Inegration of 3D design of steel structures in STRAKON
With the optional STAHLBAU 3D “Virtual Steel” module, STRAKON 2022 integrates a very powerful 3D CAD method for designing steel structures. This allows for the appropriate design of steel structures such as roofs, slabs, balconies, platforms or standard steel staircases – including joints, details and workshop drawings.
The additional module is integrated in STRAKON 2022 in a way that you do everything in one model or project. You can simply switch back and forth between the functions of concrete and steel construction.
Comprehensive design of semi-prefabricated construction
In collaboration with its subsidiary bauBIT, DICAD is developing a new integrated solution for the design of semi-prefabricated elements, based on the ‘Cube reinforcement’, which is increasingly used in STRAKON.
With the new version 2022, STRAKON supports the design of double walls and floor panels – from architectural and construction design to production. Semi – assembled parts in STRAKON combine modern STRAKON software architecture with efficient bauBIT design methods. Because semi – assembled parts can be displayed or hidden throughout the model, errors in project coordination can be avoided. Designers can focus entirely on their product group, and project managers oversee all product groups. This enables efficient and economical design and production of semi – assembled elements.
Integrated BIM library
If you don’t want to generate certain items in STRAKON yourself or if you do not find what you are looking for among the many 3D built in libraries in STRAKON, products from various manufacturers such as Ancotech, Halfen – Leviat, Hilti, Pfeifer, Philipp, Primo, Schöck, Simpson and many others, you can always go back to the online library.
For example, ‘BIMcatalogs’ contains many articles and concrete products from different manufacturers, such as built in elements, doors and windows and much more. This online database is integrated into STRAKON 2022 so that users can access it directly from STRAKON. Once we find the right component, we can create it with the desired parameters and install it directly in STRAKON as an embedded par or Flex – Part library with the click of a mouse.
Automation of assembly production
STRAKON 2022 continues to develop in the field of automation in prefabricated construction, for example delivering a mesh welding system or further developing the formwork construction module to control the formwork cutters.
The STRAKON formwork module in version 2022 offers relevant innovations. Among other things, it is now easier to design bent formwork that can then be transferred to a CNC or as a formwork drawing. Screw holes and joints such as Clamex/Lamello can now also be designed automatically. If the formwork panels in the design are longer than the supply dimensions of the CNC router base, they can be separated and transferred to the CNC, including a groove or joint on the front of the formwork panel.
