SAPFIR-Generator Parametric modeller

Flexible tool in the BIM chain. It enables the user to model (parametrically) buildings and structures of arbitrary shape. This module presents advanced technologies for generating models of structures. This is graphic editor for algorithms (sequence of actions); this editor applies modelling tools available in SAPFIR-3D.

This module provides the ready 3D model that consists of basic objects presented in SAPFIR-3D program: columns, beams, walls, slabs, piles, trusses, surfaces, loads, boundary conditions, etc. Generator together with SAPFIR-3D enables us to use precise parametric test over the model and then export it to LIRA-SAPR for further analysis.

So, what is visual programming? This is the way to create an algorithm by managing graphical objects rather than by writing text. That is, to work with such system there is no need to have programming skills or to be familiar with the structure of program code.

Graphical objects are presented in Generator as nodes and links between them. Nodes are displayed as rectangles and may be of two types: nodes that save the data and nodes that carry out actions. Data between nodes is transferred with links.

The user interface of Generator consists of ribbon and working area – canvas where graphic sequence of actions is generated. The nodes' palette is divided into tabs by thematic focus: models, geometry, transformations, parameters and services.

Geometry that is generated with different Generator nodes will be displayed in the SAPFIR-3D graphic window.

Geometric primitives available in SAPFIR-3D (points, lines, surfaces) may be used as the input data for generating such graphical algorithms.

Generator is a flexible tool in the BIM chain. Information from other CAD programs may be used as input data in Generator, for example:

• 3D shapes (surfaces) in *.obj format;
• geometric primitives (points, lines, polylines, contours) in *.dxf format.

When you modify the input data in other CAD programs (edit the surface shape or *.dxf file), the model in Generator is automatically updated.

The generated script (set of nodes) may be saved to the library in order to use it later.

For advanced users, in SAPFIR-Generator there is a script editor that enables you to generate your own nodes and write your own code for them.