Helsinki, Finland-based Solibri has announced version 5.1 of Solibri Model Checker with extended support of Open Standards and emphasis on Spatial Coordination.
Version 5.1
Building on version 5.0, released late last year, with support for Windows Vista, XP and Mac OS X, version 5.1 introduces powerful new tools for spatial coordination. There is a big difference between collision detection and spatial coordination. While there are quite a few tools for finding interferences, there is a real requirement for a tool like Solibri Model Checker v5.1, where the focus is on improving design quality by checking for compliance with owner specifications, and efficiently and effectively managing any issues that are identified. This version includes excellent tools for those tasks, as well as a very powerful, comprehensive and customizable Spatial Coordination Report capability.
This release also extends BIM to a broader audience with support for open standards. Jonathan Widney, CEO of Solibri LLC (the US headquarters of Solibri) states that “this release is very significant as it confirms Solibri’s commitment to open standards by extending access to those who don’t currently have the ability to generate Industry Foundation Class (IFC) files.”
“We are committed to IFC files and believe they provide the most information rich environment,” said Widney. “At the same time, there are some trades that have yet to migrate to applications that can export a high quality IFC file.”
In order to actively promote an inclusive process, Solibri Model Checker v5.1 is able to import DWG as well as IFC files. Once the DWG files are loaded, it is possible to conduct a full range of model checking activities, using both file types. “Once the power of the IFC files is better understood,” said Widney, “it will result in a greater sense of urgency for the balance of the subcontractor community to make the move to IFC-supported authoring applications.”
With these advances Solibri is positioning its product as the bridge between the design and construction sides of the AEC industry. Solibri Model Checker v5.1 can help the entire AEC industry by supporting a more productive BIM process delivering higher quality design and construction.