Forums >> Revit Structure >> Technical Support >> Revit Structure & Engineering Software

rayhorn13

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Joined: Wed, Mar 15, 2006
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We are getting ready to do a full implementation of RST2008 at our firm (consulting structural engineering) and will eventually be integrating the engineering software into the 'Revit Loop'.  Not immediately, though.  One mountain to climb at a time, please.

Presently we use RAM analysis programs (RAMSteel, RAM Advance, etc.).  As we move forward we are questioning whether that is the best option for the future of Revit considering that RAM is now owned by Bentley, Robobat is now an Autodesk subsidiary, and the following comment in the February 2008 Cadalyst:

• "... over time, 'Autodesk will integrate Robobat technology into Autodesk structural engineering products such as Revit Structure and the AutoCAD Revit Structure suite, and the Robobat products will be marketed under the Autodesk brand,' says Autodesk's FAQ on the acquisition."

Here is what I'm looking to find out :

Is there anyone with experience with both lines of software (RAM & Robobat)? 

So that our engineers can do everything they need to do, are there any comparisons between the RAM products and the Robobat products? 

Can you do all of the same things in both?  If not, what is missing from which one? 

Any comments good or bad about either?

Any insight on integration issues with Revit Structure? 

We are looking for "real-world" experiences because both websites are eager to tell you how wonderful they can make your life, but they won't tell you what their product(s) lack. 

Any help/comments are much appreciated. 

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Jeff

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StructuralEngineer

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Joined: Sun, Aug 19, 2007
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Jeff,

        Building Information Modelling, whether it be Revit or a Bently product, all utilize the same standard file structure as specified by the National Institute of Building Sciences(www.NIBS.org).  With that being said, analysis programs like RAM and Robobat will both input and export information the same way regardless of what BIM program you are running.  So chose your favorite BIM program and your favorite analysis program, and they SHOULD work together.  

         Our company has already started the transition.  I say started because depending on the project, using AutoCAD is MUCH FASTER then developing a 3D BIM model.  Revit is still worth the investment for the larger projects.

          The RAM->Revit transition works excellent.  I find it much easier to model a building in Revit, then export it to RAM.  After RAM sizes the members, it can be imported back into Revit.  The only problems occur when the building has aspects to it that RAM can't handle(hangers/special cantilevers/trusses/overframing).  I find using RAM Advance works, but that has its bugs too. 

          Revit isn't a magic software program, but when used right can be an extreemly beneficial tool.

          I hope this post helps!

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brettgoodchild

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Joined: Sat, Feb 4, 2006
425 Posts

My two cents:

Robobat is better for concrete but not up to par on the steel aspect.

Contact bently and Autodesk and get the white sheets from them which will tell you what type loads, elements and what not can transfer between the software package. I have had issues with Revit not taking bell piers that were designed on RAM and have had some issues with RAM not taking design elemnts from Revit. In the long run, I would go w/ Robobat simply because the factory is spending a lot of r&d on it and, my guess, in about 5-8 years will be almost fully implemented as a Revit desing package. Robobat also has the benefit of working side by side w/ the Structures team so they will be able to develope the first true "two way street" between analysis software and design software. Meaning everything can import/export from both to both.

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sllana

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Joined: Wed, Mar 2, 2011
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...and may I ask, which one is the method to export a revit model to those (ram and/or robobat)?

Thank you.

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