Release Allplan 2017-1

Release Notes for Allplan 2017-1

Important improvements since the release of Allplan 2017-0

Since the release of Allplan 2017-0 we have implemented about 300 improvements to details, particularly in basics, 3D modeling, architecture and engineering. Above all, we focused on making the program more reliable. Apart from that, we integrated only features in Allplan 2017-1 that add to the new features developed for V2017-0. The following sections present some of the new features in Allplan 2017-1. You can find details in the overview of release notes since Allplan 2017-0 on the Internet. You can find detailed information on what’s new in Allplan 2017-0 <>.

By sending quality reports, giving feedback or posting on the forum, you decisively contributed to the further development of Allplan, making it a practical and reliable version.

Setup and licensing

Allplan uses the latest version of WIBU licensing software. Furthermore, we sped up installation. This applies not only to the general installation procedure but also to installation with the ‘First-time installation and copy data’ option, which is particularly important for working with existing databases in the office. In addition, we improved data conversion of existing data.

Collaboration

We improved collaboration across locations using Workgroup Online. Exchange of compressed data optimizes collaboration, making it more secure. In addition, drawing files open faster in ‘Open on a Project-Specific Basis’. You can now work faster in Allplan even if a project is open both locally and online at the same time or if several users are connected with the same server.

We improved collaboration with planning partners. This is obvious when you look at the interfaces or the bimplus platform, which was integrated as the ‘Task Board’ palette in Allplan.

The IFC4 format is being expanded continuously. You can now define the following coordinates and length parameters: unit, resizing factor and additional offset. In addition, the IFC4 format transfers 2D elements, finish elements and IFCProxy.

You can use Allplan 2015 configuration files for AutoCAD and MicroStation in Allplan 2017. Allplan exports the model with the correct inclination to Google Earth (KMZ Format).

Libraries

Most improvements to libraries are based on your requests. For example, we improved the flanges of U-sections, I-sections and T-sections in the ‘2D steel sections, angular, idealized’ library. The inclination is now correct. We improved the sliding door SmartParts and window SmartParts with three casements.

Associative views and sections

The new associative views and sections that can be derived from the building structure are particularly useful for architects. Here, too, we improved and sped up the program, making it more reliable. New converted user-defined architectural elements with hatching look in architectural sections like conventional architectural elements; only the intersected edges get a thick line. We adjusted the behavior of adjacent edges and line properties to that in the previous version.

Basics

The sequence and arrangement of palettes do not change when you open or close ‘Print Preview’ or ‘Layout Editor’. Layers set for components no longer change when you create hidden line images.

3D modeling

We improved the new modeling tools, making them easier to use. For example, we improved snapping to points on general 3D objects (with circles and curves). We improved the ‘Undo’ tool for deleting spheres, cylinders and centers of gravity. If modeling general 3D objects or converted user-defined architectural elements produces redundant edges, you can use the ‘Union’ tool to join those objects and elements with themselves, thus “normalizing” them. The ‘Loft’ tool allows you to use edges of general 3D objects as profiles. We improved the ‘Fillet Edge’ and ‘Chamfer Edge’ tools for objects with a common edge.

Architecture

We improved the new converted user-defined architectural elements. In particular, this applies to selection preview and selection by mouse click. You can match the properties of a converted user-defined architectural element and save these properties as a favorite in mgkfnfx format. ‘Apply Archit. Component Properties’ takes into account the layer setting of door swings. We reworked various reports; for example, we improved export of the ‘Room schedule.rdlc’ report to Excel Allplan 2017 introduced the new DIN 277-1:2016-01; Allplan 2017-1 comes with some minor improvements.

Animation

The ‘Render’ tool calculates shadows, luster and reflection of transparent materials more exactly. As a result, you get more realistic images. Furthermore, surface files in particular folders are available again.

Engineering

Placing longitudinal bars using ‘Extrude Bars Along Path’ is now easier. In some cases, it is even better to use a spline for the path instead of lines and arcs. We improved span reinforcement of bars with hooks at the start and end. In addition, we sped up the ‘New Mark Number’ tool. More improvements include creating ‘FEA Reinforcement Color Images’, using direct object modification for editing labels with leaders in placements per meter, using 3D polylines as bar bending shapes and calculating segment lengths of open stirrups and hooks. You can use diameters with two decimal places in cross-section catalogs.

When working with the ‘Coupler, Thread, Connecting Bar’ tool in conjunction with the Annahuette manufacturer, you can select screwed sockets and screwed anchorage elements of the SAS 670 type. In addition, we added BARON(R)-C screwed connections of ANCOTECH AG for use in Switzerland.

Since hotfixes 2017-0-4 and 2017-0-5 a lot of users have been working with most of the new features mentioned above. So there is no reason why you should not switch to Allplan 2017-1.

 

Improvements since the last Allplan 2017-0-5 hotfix

General

We edited and corrected various messages of Quality Reporter, producing a more reliable Allplan.
We reworked the Allplan formula editor so that you can create export files with correct names in Allplan Precast.

Setup
Allplan 2017 Setup supports installation on the Windows Server 2016 operating system.

Licensing
We improved WIBU licensing for Allplan in various places.
We improved the WIBU license server of Allplan.

Basic

The ‘Change Drawing File Status’ dialog box opens even if you select this tool on a toolbar instead of the shortcut menu.
When you switch the background color of the viewport from white to a different color, the program keeps this setting even if you cancel the ‘Print’ tool and select a tool for controlling the on-screen display.

Building structure
If you expand a building structure by a new plane model, the program adds this plane model to the structural level you specify.

Views and sections (derived from building structure)
If you have not yet selected a source drawing file for 'Generate view' or 'Generate section', the program displays a warning icon.
Recreating a view or section derived from the building structure does not change any copies of this view or section.
The program automatically creates the border around views and sections derived from the building structure; you cannot edit this border using ‘Stretch Entities’.
Views and sections derived from the building structure do not take into account X and Y factors assigned to views and sections created in the 'Associative Views' module.
Working with views and sections derived from the building structure is faster (with the 'Update automatically' option being selected).

bim+, Task Board
New tasks you create in bim+ or in the Task Board palette update correctly both in bim+ and in the Task Board palette.
We improved export of large models from Allplan to bim+.
We improved export of models with particular smart symbols to bim+.

Libraries
You can insert symbols with views and sections, reinforcement and legends a number of times. You can even undo this process without problems.

Python Parts
We improved Python Parts in various places.

Interfaces

IFC interface
Import
We improved import of elements with special characters in attribute definitions.
We improved import of IFC data with grouped reinforcement.
We expanded the value range for ‘additional offset’ in 'Import IFC Data'. You can now enter values between -21,999,999.999 m and 21,999,999.999 m.
We improved import of IFC data containing objects of the 'MappedRepresentation' type. The ‘Import IFC Data’ tool imports these objects as smart symbols.
We improved IFC import of files with Unicode file names.

Export
The 'Export IFC4 Data' tool transfers the 'Name' and 'Full name' attributes of rooms.
We improved IFC export of particular rooms.
IFC export takes into account plumbing components when transferring floor coverings and vertical coverings of rooms.
The 'Export IFC4 Data' tool transfers room groups.
We improved export of 3D elements without attributes (for example, in associative views and sections) to IFC 2x3 format.
IFC export ignores drawing files linked by associative views and sections.
IFC export of multi-layer walls: the sequence of wall layers no longer affects the reveal of openings.

DWG interface
The program exports complex 3D elements to DWG format.

Dimension lines
While you are dimensioning openings, the preview attached to the crosshairs displays the value for the opening height rounded to three decimal places.
The program displays two decimal places for the ‘Aspect’ of dimension text and dimension line text. So the values are in the correct sequence.

Layout
We improved updates of layouts containing drawing files with new or changed associative sections.

Bonus Tools

3D Modeling
You can use the CTRL+A key shortcut when editing 3D objects using 'Fillet Edge' or 'Chamfer Edge'.
You can use the element filter and CTRL+A in conjunction with ‘Convert Elements' - 'General 3D element to 3D solid, 3D surface'.
There is a new dialog box describing the effects of the options available for 'Convert Elements' - '2D to 3D lines'.
General 3D objects and converted user-defined architectural elements are generally visible in views, animation and plan.

Architecture

Walls, Openings Components
The program always uses the correct values for length and thickness even if you have data that are far from the global point (large coordinates) and lengthen or shorten walls using direct object modification.
The program displays a preview of a curved wall you are entering even if the crosshairs are outside the wall radius. Consequently, you can define the wall’s offset direction using the crosshairs.

Engineering

Bar Reinforcement
The program keeps the 'Apply background fill' setting for the label while you are changing the spacing of a bar placement using direct object modification.
The 'Convert, Match Elements’ tool allows you to use bars you placed using the ‘Extrude Bars Along Path’ tool.
When working with the ‘Coupler, Thread, Connecting Bar’ tool in conjunction with the Annahuette manufacturer, you can select screwed sockets and screwed anchorage elements of the SAS 670 type. In addition, we added BARON(R)-C screwed connections of ANCOTECH AG for use in Switzerland.
Note:
For this, you must install the complete package as an update, upgrade or as a new installation. You can download the complete installation package from Allplan Connect; go to the Service - Downloads area.

Fixtures
We improved the look of linear fixtures with pattern lines.

Engineering Views, Details

Associative Views
You can change the height of a section object using ‘Top level’ and ‘Bottom level’ a number of times.

Terrain

Digital Terrain Model
‘Slope’ and ‘Freeform Slope’ display the correct prompt in the dialog line.

Allplan International

Switzerland
The ‘Reinforcement schedule - Switzerland’ report correctly analyzes the bars even if you select the bars using the ‘All’ option and the selection includes meshes.