topic Re: Importing Autocad MEP models in Collaboration with other software

Importing Autocad MEP models

rm — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 14:33:45 GMT

We are working with a new MEP consultant that is starting to model their HVAC design work. They use Auto Cadd MEP to model their work.

Wondering if anyone here has had success in importing 3D HVAC model from Auto CADD MEP into ArchiCAD?Is there a particular file format you ask for from them, that seems to bring in data and layers relatively "cleanly"?

Any insight or previous experiences offered would be appreciated.

Thank you!

Re: Importing Autocad MEP models

Karl Ottenstein — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 17:58:28 GMT

As far as I know, your best bet is for your consultant to export an IFC file from Autocad MEP and for you to hotlink that into your file.

See also Podolsky's post here:
https://archicad-talk.graphisoft.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=72709&p=326249&hilit=hotlink+IFC#p326249

Re: Importing Autocad MEP models

rm — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 18:06:41 GMT

Karl wrote:
As far as I know, your best bet is for your consultant to export an IFC file from Autocad MEP and for you to hotlink that into your file.

See also Podolsky's post here:
https://archicad-talk.graphisoft.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=72709&p=326249&hilit=hotlink+IFC#p326249

Thank you Karl.

Re: Importing Autocad MEP models

rm — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 18:35:37 GMT

I just received a sample HVAC distribution model from our MEP consultant as an IFC model. It came into ArchiCAD 24 & 25 on the first attempt. Aside from the MEP not using the same "stories" as we are, which can get resolved, this worked very well.

I don't know if that is a direct reflection of the IFC standard, GS implementing the IFC standard well, AutoCAD implementing the IFC standard well or combination of all of these. This deep tech theory stuff is above my pay grade.

Bottom line, it seems to work coming well importing from the consultants file!

Re: Importing Autocad MEP models

Karl Ottenstein — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 20:41:49 GMT

Good to hear!