Using the BIM Reader in Cubit Estimating

BIM Reader is a free standalone program that allows you to extract quantity information from BIM files into Cubit Estimating. BIM Reader uses Autodesk software to render some BIM files, so you can move and interact with a model.

BIM Reader offers functionality designed to improve moving quantity information into Cubit Estimating. You can convert units across an entire BIM file, create aliases for Trades and Items so that they are named to suit your estimate needs and create intersections so you can see specific elements on the BIM model.

BIM Reader supports some .dwf and .dwfx BIM Project files. Typically, BIM Reader will open most BIM files that were created with an Autodesk Revit Architecture from 2014 or earlier. Some larger files may not render, but will still be readable and the quantity information can still be imported into Cubit Estimating.

Opening the BIM Reader

You can open BIM Reader from an open Cubit Estimating Job.

1. On the Data tab, in the Import group, click BIM Reader.

Fig1. BIM Reader

2. BIM Reader will open in a new window.

Note: You may be prompted to download and install Autodesk Design Review, a button will link you to the Autodesk Design Review website.

                       Fig2. Prompt to download and install Autodesk Design Review

Inserting a BIM File

To insert a BIM Plan from the BIM Reader:

1. From the Quick Access toolbar, click the Add button.

Fig3. Insert BIM Plan

2. From the Open window, navigate your computer to the BIM file you would like to open.

3. When you have selected a .dwf or .dwfx, click Open

4. You will be asked if you want to display the loaded BIM in Design Review. To see the BIM model select Display in Design Review, alternatively, select Don't display.

Note: Not displaying the BIM model in Design Review is great for handling large BIM files or less capable computers, while still allowing you to import quantity information to Cubit Estimating.

Fig4. Displaying in Design Review

Editing Takeoff

Once the plan is loaded you can select the items that you wish to send to Cubit. Using the Takeoff pane, you control what information will be transferred to your Cubit Estimating Job. From the Takeoff pane, you can choose what quantities are transferred and also rename Trades, Items and headings.

Picking Results

You can choose what results are transferred into your Cubit Estimating Job in the Takeoff pane from BIM Reader. To pick the results to be transferred to Cubit Estimating.

1. From the Model pane, click on the top-level heading

Fig4. Model pane

2. From the Takeoff pane select an Attribute from the Object takeoff pane.

3. Click the Display as a column and the available Result Types will be displayed.

4. Click a Result Type to associate with the Attribute or select Not displayed to ignore that attribute when transferring quantities to Cubit Estimating.

Note: You can also change the Unit column, this will set the Unit column in Cubit Estimating for transferred jobs.

Fig5. Takeoff pane Result type

Renaming Quantities

Although BIM files are read-only, you can rename Trades, Items and Headings before they are imported to Cubit Estimating by creating an Alias for them. You can create an alias in the Takeoff pane from BIM Reader.

To create an alias
1. Using the mouse, select a Trade Item or Heading from the Model pane.

Fig6. Model pane Item

2. From the Takeoff pane enter a new description in the Alias dialogue box. The Name dialogue box will remain unchanged.

Fig7. Takeoff Alias

Importing Results to Cubit

When you're ready, you can import your Job to Cubit Estimating by clicking Return to Cubit from the Cubit group in the ribbon. When imported all the BIM shapes will be listed in the Shapes window of the Cubit Estimating job.

Note: If you have made changes to the BIM file - like setting an Alias or changing some Display as columns - you will be asked to save changes or continue.

Fig 8. Return to Cubit Estimating