Part of the Fast-Growing Autodesk BIM 360 Cloud Service, the App Utilizes the Building Information Model to Fuel Construction Layout Activities on the Job Site
Autodesk today announced the release of the new Autodesk BIM 360 Layout app for iOS. The app uses the BIM 360 cloud service to provide General Contractors and Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) contractors the ability to connect Building Information Modeling (BIM) to the construction layout process.
The new app connects design intent from a digital model with the physical world by controlling a robotic instrument from Topcon Corp., a strategic partner to Autodesk. With a direct connection to the Topcon LN-100 Robotic Instrument via WiFi — the field user is guided to physical locations on the jobsite – based on points created in the 3D model that are represented in the BIM 360 Layout app.
By replacing error-prone manual layout techniques with laser-guided precision, Autodesk BIM 360 Layout helps improve field accuracy and productivity, as building designs are more accurately and quickly brought to life at the construction site. The result is faster construction, which helps building projects get completed on-time and on-budget.
“As we expand our mobile and cloud portfolio for construction, we are creating new, more efficient ways of working for construction teams,” said Jim Lynch, Vice President, Building and Collaboration Products, Autodesk. “With tools like BIM 360 Layout, we are helping our customers bring constructability to life by managing data across multiple platforms and formats and by helping to streamline the touch points that allow for higher levels of project collaboration, increased productivity with fewer errors.”
Users of the new BIM 360 Layout app are able to connect the field point creation process within the coordinated model to the actual layout process without the need to manually prepare and export point lists. Contractors start with Autodesk Point Layout in connection with Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Navisworks software or Autodesk Revit software, and then import their model with field points into the BIM 360 Glue web service which can then be synced with the BIM 360 Layout app on the iPad.
“In partnering with Autodesk to deliver a purpose-built hardware solution in the LN-100 Robotic Instrument paired with the BIM 360 Layout App, we’re providing contractors with a solution that is perfectly tailored for their needs in delivering greater efficiency and accuracy on the job site,” said Eduardo Falcon, executive vice president, Topcon Corp. “We look forward to pushing the envelope with Autodesk in construction to deliver leading edge products that benefit our mutual customers.”
Already field tested with customers like DPR, Mortenson, and PCL Construction, the BIM 360 Layout app connected to the BIM 360 web service challenges modern construction layout concepts and data workflows being utilized today.
The BIM 360 Layout app can be downloaded onto an iPad or iPad mini and connects to the Topcon LN-100 Robotic Instrument —guiding the user to physical locations on the job site. Image courtesy of PCL Construction.
“As the layout process is directly connected to 3D models on our construction projects, rigor is placed on managing and leveraging the up-to-date, coordinated information by the entire project team for construction layout,” said Ondrei Poliak, Virtual Construction Manager, PCL Denver District. “In our use of the BIM 360 Layout app which is connected to BIM 360 web services, we have streamlined the process of checking and verifying our sub trades’ staked and installed components resulting in time and money efficiencies never before realized on this level.”
See how BIM 360 customer, PCL Construction has utilized Autodesk BIM 360 Layout in conjunction with Autodesk Point Layout to bolster their process of verifying sub-trades work on projects.
Autodesk’s existing portfolio of solutions and BIM 360 mobile apps for pre-construction coordination and field execution are among the fast-growing products in Autodesk’s 30+ year history. Construction firms are adopting BIM 360 at this rapid pace due to the dramatic gains in productivity they achieve from extending BIM directly into the construction process and onto the jobsite.
Availability
The Autodesk BIM 360 Layout app is available for download on the Apple App Store and requires a Subscription to the BIM 360 web service. It is available globally in English. The Topcon LN-100 Total Station can be purchased from a Topcon authorized BIM dealer, and is available globally.
More Information
Listen to Jarrod Krug, Autodesk’s BIM 360 Industry Marketing Manager, respond to the following three questions about the significance of Autodesk BIM 360 Layout:
