BuildSoft BIM Expert 2024 – The Ultimate Structural BIM Interoperability Software for Seamless Model Exchange

BIM Expert 2024 is a specialized BIM interoperability tool that acts as a universal translator between structural engineering software packages. Instead of manually recreating models in different programs, engineers can use BIM Expert to convert and synchronize building information models between analysis software (Diamonds, SAP2000, ETABS), design software (Revit, Tekla Structures), and connection detailing tools (IDEA StatiCa, PowerConnect).

The software runs as a Windows service in the background, making it always available for quick model exchanges. With a plugin-based architecture, BIM Expert supports over 50 possible workflow combinations, and each new plugin doubles the number of exchange possibilities.

A key new feature in the 2024 version is direct export functionality from Diamonds to Autodesk Revit, allowing engineers to push their structural analysis models back to the architectural BIM model with just a few clicks.

Primary Users

BuildSoft BIM Expert 2024 is designed for structural engineers, architects, drafters, and BIM coordinators who need to exchange and synchronize building information models between different software platforms. It serves professionals who:

• Collaborate across disciplines with architects using Revit or structural detailers using Tekla Structures

• Perform structural analysis using software like Diamonds, SAP2000, or ETABS

• Design steel connections using IDEA StatiCa Connection or PowerConnect

• Manage complex projects requiring seamless data flow between design, analysis, and detailing tools

Key Features & Capabilities

Plugin-Based Interoperability

BIM Expert uses a plugin-based architecture where each plugin represents a different software package. The software currently supports exchange to and from:

Seamless Material and Section Conversion

BIM Expert ensures that materials and cross-sections are correctly translated between different applications using mapping files. This prevents data loss, incorrect material assignments, and manual entry errors that commonly occur when switching between software tools.

Connection Recognition and Transfer

The software recognizes existing connections in the BIM model and converts them automatically where possible. New connections can be added directly in the shared BIM Expert model and detailed further using PowerConnect or IDEA StatiCa Connection.

Version Compatibility

Each plugin supports multiple earlier versions of the end product. For example, the Tekla Structures plugin supports exchanging files back to version 20.1, and similar support exists for SAP2000 (v20–v23) and IDEA StatiCa (v9–v21).

Local and Network Synchronization

BIM Expert allows model sharing within organizations through local and network synchronization. The BIM Expert Server edition makes all analysis models and drawings accessible from anywhere.

Supported Workflows

Popular workflows include:

• Revit to Tekla Structures

• Revit to Diamonds (new in 2024)

• Revit to SAP2000 / PowerConnect

• Tekla Structures to Diamonds / SAP2000

• Diamonds to Revit (new in 2024)

• Diamonds to IDEA StatiCa Connection / Tekla

• ETABS to Diamonds / IDEA StatiCa Connection

• SAP2000 to Diamonds / PowerConnect

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What’s New in BuildSoft BIM Expert 2024

The 2024 release introduces significant enhancements to interoperability workflows:

Direct Diamonds to Revit Export

Users can now export structural analysis models from Diamonds directly to Autodesk Revit with just a few clicks. This streamlines the workflow for engineers who need to share their analysis results back with architects and BIM coordinators.

Enhanced Revit Integration

The bidirectional link between Diamonds and Revit enables seamless transfer of sections, materials, supports, hinges, and loads. Engineers can add loads in Diamonds, optimize the structure, and synchronize the modified model back to Revit.

Improved Collaboration Features

BIM Expert 2024 strengthens the collaboration between architects and engineers by enabling real-time model synchronization and automatic updates when design changes are made. This ensures all team members work from a single, up-to-date source of truth.

Continued Plugin Updates

The software maintains broad compatibility with the latest versions of supported applications while retaining backward compatibility for earlier versions.