GTC: Graitec Transfer Center - CAD and Analysis software interoperability


	With the GRAITEC Transfer Center (GTC), all the models created with GRAITEC software can be synchronized, with no data loss and no need to re-input data. GTC is a novel improvement in CAD/Design software interoperability and integration, being an important step in creating and handling a BIM (Building Information Model). GTC also provides synchronization of models created with software products by GRAITEC partners.





GRAITEC has developed a data exchange component that recreates and stores the model in a specific format (GTC) by defining a set of standard objects, GRAITEC Model Objects (GMO).
GTC serves as a communication link between the following applications and standards:
Advance Concrete
Advance Steel
Advance Design
Autodesk Revit Structure
IFC 2.x3
CIS/2
SDNF
PSS

The applications are responsible for:
	Export: inputting data into the GMO
	Import: reading data from the GMO and recreating the model in their database format

	Synchronization: reading data from the GMO and applying it to their database


The data exchange component is responsible for:
	Saving/Loading the stored information using a specific file format
	Comparing two different GRAITEC models and managing the synchronization




The structural design workflow consists of many modifications and repetitive tasks. With the GTC, modifications made on the same model by different users (steel and reinforced concrete draftsmen, structural engineers, etc.) are synchronized thus saving valuable time and resources.
Two examples of interoperability workflow using the GTC format:

	From modeling to structural design and detailing
		The structure is modeled with the CAD software (Advance Concrete, Advance Steel, Autodesk Revit Structure)

		The first drawings (General Arrangement drawings, Overview drawings, Formwork drawings) are created from this model

	The model is exported in GTC format
		This GTC model is imported into the design software (Advance Design)

	The imported model is processed
		After structural optimization, the model is exported from the design software in GTC format

		The GTC model is then imported back into the initial modeling software.

		The original model and the new model are synchronized (the draftsman may accept or reject the modifications)

		The model's drawings are updated after this revision
		Once the drawings are updated, all the information is available to start detailing

		This process can be repeated multiple times, using the GTC format as an exchange model between applications



From structural design to drawings
	The structure is designed with the design software (Advance Design)

	The model is exported in GTC format
	The GTC model is imported into the CAD software (Advance Steel, Advance Concrete, Autodesk Revit Structure) to create the drawings

	If the model was modified with the CAD software, it must be exported as GTC and sent to the design software for reprocessing

	The GTC model is imported in the design software and the model is synchronized (the engineer may accept or reject the modifications)

	The model is processed and, if necessary, the structure is optimized

	The reprocessed model is exported in GTC and sent to the CAD software

	The model is imported and synchronized in the CAD software

	The necessary drawings are updated with the new modifications

	This process can be repeated multiple times, using the GTC format as an exchange model between applications


Many scenarios are available depending on the situation. The advantages of the GTC technology developed by GRAITEC are that double work is avoided by better re-use of existing data and errors and mistakes are reduced by assisting the user in managing modifications between the “Engineer world” and the “draftsman world”.

The GTC component has been developed to integrate all the common objects of the models exchanged between the GRAITEC applications and other compatible formats.

GTC objects mapping

	Objects	Advance Concrete	Advance Steel	Advance Design	Autodesk Revit Structure	IFC2.X3	CIS/2
Common elements	Section
	Material
	Level
	Model
	Coordinate system				-
Linear elements	Line
	Beam
	Column
	Continuous footing		-
Surface elements	Cylindrical Surface		-
	Slab		-
	Wall		-
	Plate	-
Point elements	Point		-			-	-
Point elements	Isolated footing		-
Grid	Gridline
Grid	Grid
Analytical elements	Joint	-			-
	Load		-
	Node	-
	Effort	-
Reinforcement elements	Rebar		-	-			-
	U Bar		-	-			-
	L Bar		-	-			-
	Straight bar		-	-			-
	Stirrup		-	-			-
	Polygonal		-	-			-
	Pin		-	-			-
	Rectangular frame		-	-			-
	Circular frame		-	-			-
Features	Hole
	Cutout				-
	Cutting Plane				-
	Cope				-
	Contour				-
Steel members	Bolts	-			-
	Weld	-			-
	Weld Preparation	-			-

	Full match
	Partially implemented
-	Not applicable

Synchronization of an Autodesk Revit Structure model with Advance Design		An Autodesk Revit Structure model can be exported to Advance Design, the finite elements analysis software of GRAITEC, using the new GTC format. The initial model is synchronized with the analysis and optimization result, without losing any adjustments (e.g., add, modification, delete). The user can select which modifications to apply to the initial model.

Synchronization of an Advance Steel model with Advance Design		An Advance Steel model can be synchronized with the GRAITEC Advance Design analysis software. This gives users the ability to make as many changes as they want. They can then synchronize their model with the result of the analysis without losing any adjustments (e.g., add, modification, delete) that they made. This is done with the unique Graitec Transfer Center (GTC), which prompts the user to accept (or reject) the new modifications made to their open model.