In this article, we will consider the experience of the design institute "Krasaeroproekt", which was described by BIM manager Vladimir Arbuzov, highlighting the process of implementing domestic software solutions for designing heating and ventilation (HV) and water supply and sewerage (WSS) networks in airport terminals and other facilities.
We examined in detail how the implementation of Russian software products takes place in the industrial sector in another article .
Krasaeroproekt specializes in the design of airports, including runways and terminals, but the institute’s completed projects also include residential and public buildings.
To develop these objects, the institute uses two main lines of domestic software, each of which uses several modules. All models created in them are collected in the CADLib Model and Archive program :
Model Studio : Construction solutions, Heating and ventilation, Water supply and sewerage, Cable management, General plans
nanoCAD : BIM Electrical, BIM SCS (structured cabling systems), BIM OPS (security and fire alarm systems)
Most of the programs chosen by the organization belong to the Model Studio line. The reason for this decision is the ease of mastering them for engineers: the program interface resembles the familiar AutoCAD environment, and a few hours of training are enough to master the basic functions of creating 3D models.
The designer can begin work as follows:
Click the "Draw Pipeline" button
Select a mini-catalog prepared by the coordinator
Specify the pipe diameter and system class
Fill in the required parameters and start drawing the pipe in 3D
All elements of the system are selected automatically from a mini-catalog, which eliminates errors in selecting the wrong components.
Also among the advantages of the program is the high flexibility of settings with the ability to adapt to individual needs, but this requires time and effort.
At Krasaeroproekt, employees are trained for these tasks with the help of specialists from TBS, who provide support via Telegram chats. This scheme allows for prompt resolution of emerging issues and exchange of information.
Earlier we talked about the experience of switching to another popular solution - nanoCAD BIM VK. Read more about it here .
Disadvantages of Model Studio
Despite the advantages described earlier, the program also has significant disadvantages:
No ability to work on a plan . Unlike Revit, work is only possible in a 3D environment. It is not possible to create and edit systems on sections and plans.
Need for program customization . Libraries, templates and specifications require individual customization, which means advanced knowledge and additional efforts
Difficulty in finding employees . There are practically no ready-made Model Studio specialists on the labor market, so it is necessary to organize their training independently
Advantages of CADLib
One of the advantages of the Model Studio line is direct integration with the CADLib program. Interaction between sections is carried out not through links, but through unloading models into the program and taking the necessary elements for display.
For example, to coordinate engineering systems, you can load floors or walls of a certain floor, check for collisions between different sections, and work with other systems without loading all objects at once. These features allow you to optimize performance and simplify the process of checking for collisions.
Features of working with mini-catalogs
These registers are a convenient tool for designers and represent small selections of elements that meet certain standards and project requirements. The mini-catalog includes only those elements that are necessary for a specific task, for example, pipe diameters according to GOST or bends, turns, tees and other fittings.
Organizing reference books helps minimize the likelihood of human errors. They are especially useful when team members work remotely from different locations and there is no constant interaction between them.