In this article you will learn about:

• Formats supported by the ALICE platform
• Upload workflows for Revit models
• Upload workflows for non-Revit models

Model Formats in ALICE

Currently, Autodesk Revit (RVT) and Navisworks (NWC/NWD) are the most recommended model formats for the ALICE interface.

These formats can be directly uploaded to ALICE, but we are not limited only to Revit. ALICE can be deployed using models from any software platform that is capable of exporting geometry in DWG, NWC or IFC formats.

Examples of other platforms that are capable of such an export include Rhino, Civil 3D, Archicad, Tekla, Infraworks, Inventor, AECOsim, Microstation, OpenBridge/Road, etc.

While intermediate formats like DWG, NWC, IFC can be used to upload a model to ALICE, any modification needed to any element in the model will have to be performed on the original software platform.

General Upload Workflow

ALICE can currently upload Revit and Navisworks files. If BIM is created on other platforms, you can import other file formats into Navisworks which then can be uploaded to ALICE.

Hence upload workflow is divided into two categories:

1. Upload of Revit Model

BIM developed in Revit is directly compatible with ALICE and the RVT file can be directly uploaded to ALICE. Alternatively, RVT can be exported as NWC or NWD files. With NWC/NWD we get the advantage of exporting refined view that contains only relevant 3D elements for scheduling. Whereas RVT upload takes longer as it contains Sheets, 2D elements, etc that are not required for scheduling.

2. Upload of non-Revit Model

If BIM is developed on other platforms, the workflow then aims at exporting it to NWC/NWD and then upload it to ALICE. In the absence of direct NWC export option, the model can be exported to DWG or IFC which then can be converted to NWC.

While intermediate formats like DWG, NWC, IFC can be used to upload a model to ALICE, any modification needed to any element in the model will have to be performed on the original software platform. To manage design changes, we recommend using the NWF Navis workflow as you can create separate NWC for different 3D views as per zones or categories and bring in the changes to ALICE.

Detailed discussion on Export Settings and Design Change Management is available in CIM-Export section of CIM Guideline series.