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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.

GTC environment

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.x3CIS/2SDNFPSS
  

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

Interoperability workflow

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”.