As a BIM Corner team, we get a lot of questions from our readers regarding work in Norway. Many people ask about the language, ways of working, standards and workflows, as well as the software that is commonly used on various projects.
In this post, I decided to answer that last part (related to software) by creating a list of 21 popular BIM programs used in the country of Vikings. I grouped the tools according to the way they are used and their functions.
Some people love it, others hate it. But one thing is for sure. It is undeniably the most popular BIM software on the market today. Not without reason, even today some people say that Revit is a BIM (which is of course not true). A lot of beginners who start working with BIM associate Building Information Modeling with this program.
Autodesk Revit offers several modules dedicated to different specializations. These include Revit Structures for constructors, Revit Architecture for architects, as well as Revit MEP for sanitary, plumbing, and electrical engineers.
Dynamo is a graphical programming interface that lets you customize your building information workflow. Dynamo is an open source visual programming platform for designers. Mostly used by Revit users who use Dynamo as an add-in to the software. There are also Dynamo addins to other Autodesk tools as well as stand alone version.
MagiCAD is another very popular Revit add-in used in Norway for MEP designers. It is a very versatile and intuitive tool that allows for efficient and precise modeling of MEP systems. It enables powerful modeling capabilities, produces a more streamlined working environment, and offers localized content, standards, and engineering calculations.
Naviate is mostly known for being one of the most popular Revit and Civil 3D add-ins used in Norway. It has many various tools for architects, structural engineers, MEP designers, landscape architects, road designers, and many more.
ArchiCAD is a complete design suite with 2D and 3D drafting, visualization and other building information modeling functions for architects, designers, and planners. A wide range of software applications are integrated in ARCHICAD to cover most of the design needs of an architectural office.
Rhino is a universal modeling software solution the gives architects and engineers full control over their projects and the ability to produce building designs and construction models with creativity, freedom, and flexibility. Its commonly used in many architectural offices.
is an algorithmic modeling plugin for Rhino that uses a visual programming language. Grasshopper allows you to reference Rhino geometry objects from it (points, curves, surfaces, etc.), create geometry or bake Grasshopper geometry back into Rhino. With Live link functionality it enables Tekla Structure users to use a power of visual programming to create their design.
Grasshopper is widely used in many design companies in whole Norway. Our Grasshopper expert Krzysztof created a series of articles and videos about this tools. If you are interested in learing it here is where you should start:
With Novapoint it is also possible to model 3D terrain surfaces, as well as 3D structures such as buildings, road signs, cables, and many more. Novapoint is integrated with the BIM server and collaboration platform Trimble Quadri so together they comprise a comprehensive BIM solution for infrastructure design.
Autodesk Civil 3D is software for infrastructure designers which supports BIM with integrated features to improve drafting, design, and construction documentation. With it, you can design roads, bridges, railways, networks, terrain, and water projects.
Focus CAT Basis contains template files adapted to Norwegian conditions and a number of tools for handling and calculating terrain models, as well as importing and exporting Norwegian file formats such as SOSIS or KOF.
The Gemini software solution has been on the Norwegian market for over 30 years and has contributed to the development of the industry standard for mass calculation and documentation.
Gemini Terrain is used for designing models for roads, intersections, tunnels, construction pits and water and drainage networks. Another option with the 3D models in Gemini Terrain is surface analysis.
It is widely used in various design companies especially in those which use other Autodesk programs. Infraworks works seamlessly with Civil 3D and Navisworks which give designers more flexibility in their design process.
Trimble Quadri BIM software is a common data environment for continuous sharing of models in production. It empowers real-time collaboration in one central model while enabling you to track changes and access the BIM model seamlessly anywhere, at any time.
Quadri provides its object library. The objects include Bridge Part, Abudment, Road Bed, etc. The system aggregates files from different environments and presents them in one common standard. Quadri allows you to add information to a graphic object and then export it to different formats.
It provides out-of-the-box tools for BIM validation, compliance control, design process coordination, design review, analysis, and code checking. In Norway is mostly used on construction projects as a number 1 coordination program.
Designers can combine these files into federated 3D models and then navigate around them in real-time. Navisworks also gives possibilities to review and coordinate the model using a set of tools including comments, redlining, viewpoint, and measurements.
Bimsync is an easy-to-use cloud-based platform that improves project collaboration using centralized communication. It ensures that stakeholders can communicate and receive up-to-date information, regardless of the software they are using from anywhere, on any device.
This platform connects project teams and data in real-time, from design through construction, supporting informed decision-making and leading to more predictable and profitable outcomes. BIM 360 has a lot of different tools available for various clients and needs. Those tools are arranged into 4 different modules.
Trimble Connect is another very popular CDE platform used in Norway. Like other cloud based tools you can always work with reliable and accurate information anytime, anywhere and from any device.
With this tool it is possible to share 3D models, drawings and other documentation: View, review, reference and archive with revision history. Trimble Connect has easy-to-use user interfaces for desktop and mobile (both iOS and Android) and even on Mixed Reality (MR) devices.
dRofus was developed directly on behalf of public building owners. Capturing client requirements (EIR), validating design solutions (BIM) against client requirements, management of public standards and equipment planning are core features in the software.
Our data management expert Konrad write a few articles about this software:
How does dRofus work?
Last but not least on my list is Simple Bim. It enables you to standardize, enrich and validate IFC models. Validation capabilities help users define objects and properties as required and set lists of allowed property values.
CSiXCAD, a CSI developed plug-in for AutoCAD and BricsCAD, streamlines drawing production by directly interacting with ETABS and SAP2000. CSiXCAD provides a live link between structural models defined and maintained in ETABS or SAP2000 and the drawings documenting them in the CAD software. CSiXCAD generates a full 3-D model and automatically generates an initial set of drawings that can then be refined within the CAD software.
The link between Tekla Structures and SAP2000 or ETABS allows models to be started in either product, then transferred to the other. Round-tripping of models is possible, including accepting of changes when transferring from SAP2000 or ETABS to Tekla Structures. It is also possible to merge changes to a Tekla Structures model to an existing SAP2000 or ETABS model.
Support of IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) data models provides compatibility with other BIM enabled applications. SAP2000, CSiBridge, and ETABS all support import and export of IFC 2x3 and IFC 4 formats.
Founded in 1975, Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI) is recognized globally as the pioneering leader in software tools for structural and earthquake engineering. Software from CSI is used by thousands of engineering firms in over 160 countries for the design of major projects, including the Taipei 101 Tower in Taiwan, One World Trade Center in New York, the 2008 Olympics Birds Nest Stadium in Beijing and the cable-stayed Centenario Bridge over the Panama Canal. CSI's software is backed by more than four decades of research and development, making it the trusted choice of sophisticated design professionals everywhere.
Each of these programs offers unique capabilities and tools that are tailored to different types of structures and problems, allowing users to find just the right solution for their work. SAP2000 is intended for use on civil structures such as dams, communication towers, stadiums, industrial plants and buildings. CSiBridge offers powerful parametric design of concrete and steel bridges. ETABS has been developed specifically for multi-story commercial and residential building structures, such as office towers, apartments and hospitals. The SAFE System provides an efficient and powerful program for the analysis and design of concrete slabs and foundations, with or without post-tensioning. PERFORM-3D is a highly focused nonlinear tool offering powerful performance based design capabilities.
With its uniquely qualified staff of professional structural engineers, researchers, academicians, and its worldwide involvement in the structural engineering community, CSI has been at the forefront of structural software development for nearly four decades. With CSI products you can be confident that you have the finest structural engineering software available, backed by a company with an unmatched record of innovation, and an unrivaled commitment to meet the ever-evolving needs of the profession.\r\n\t\t\t
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