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SteelVis (aka CIS/2 Viewer)

SteelVis is a viewer for CIS/2 files and a translator from CIS/2 to IFC files.  SteelVis visualizes CIS/2 files by generating a VRML(link is external) (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) file that can be displayed in a VRML viewer.

The CIMSteel Integration Standards (CIS/2) is the product model and data exchange file format for structural steel project information.  The CIS/2 standard covers everything from nuts and bolts to materials and loads to frames and assemblies. Structures can be represented as analysis, design, or manufacturing (detailed) models. CIS/2 is intended to create a seamless and integrated flow of information among all parties of the steel supply chain involved in the construction of steel framed structures.

CIS/2 was developed at the University of Leeds(link is external) (UK) and the Steel Construction Institute (UK) in the late 1990's. Chuck Eastman(link is external) at Georgia Tech(link is external) was very instrumental in the development and implementation of CIS/2. The American Institute of Steel Construction(link is external) (AISC) adopted CIS/2 as their data exchange format for structural steel in 2000, however, IFC(link is external) is now the focus of their interoperability strategy.

Resources: Sample CIS/2 Files and CIS/2 Documentation, Schema, Workshops, Tutorials

Uses

Generating VRML

SteelVis visualizes CIS/2 files by generating a VRML(link is external) (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) file that can be displayed in VRML viewer.  SteelVis provides a variety of ways to view a CIS/2 file including how the model is colored, text popups, a summary table, and debugging features.  These Sample VRML Files will open in whatever viewer is associated with VRML files (.wrl extension).

Generating IFC

SteelVis can translate a CIS/2 file into an IFC file. IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is the product model and file exchange format developed by buildingSMART(link is external) to facilitate interoperability between BIM software(link is external) in the building and construction industry. This capability is useful to transfer models from software that only exports CIS/2 files to BIM software that only imports IFC files but not CIS/2 files.  Resources: IFC File AnalyzerFreeware(link is external)

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Created May 20, 2011, Updated October 14, 2024