Dimensions report

Thanks to the intelligent building automation in ELITECAD, we have created a 3D model that already contains large amounts of information. Of course, we want a useful way to use this information and to report nominal building values and dimensions. In ELITECAD, where is the option to calculate the quantity as well as output a graphical dimensions report.

To do this, first open the quantities manager from the tools manager Quantities.

The quantities manager will open in the bottom right. Currently, nothing will be shown, because the model must first be calculated. Click first on Calculate quantities.

After the quantities have been determined, we can now create lists based on the masses and quantities of the building model.

Window list with images

For a tender, we need a list of the windows including dimensions, quantity, and preview images used in our building model. The data can be filtered on a structure and storey basis. We are currently interested, however, in the entire project. To create the report 3.2 Windows with pictures, click on Generate.

The corresponding list is generated as an Excel list and contains sums in addition to the individual items. The Excel lists are automatically formatted so that they can be printed in DIN A4 format.

Wall layers

As a further example, the amounts of material for the walls should be determined so that we can already roughly estimate the costs for concrete, insulation, wood and plaster. The practical thing about this is that the values are already very exact because the opening are already removed.

Now create the list 2.1.92 All wall-layers by material.

The results will again be shown in table form with the corresponding sums.

Graphical oversight

ELITECAD not only offers reports, but also the option of graphical dimension calculation. The contents of the 3D model is always linked to the information of the quantities manager. If a construction part is clicked, its information opens in the quantities manager. And vice versa, if some information is clicked in the quantities manager, the corresponding construction part will be highlighted in the model.

Select from the upper left of the quantities manager the arrangement by Object types and click, for example, the entry Opening. Now all wall openings are highlighted in the 3D model and the total area is displayed in the quantities manager.

Click on an individual opening in the 3D model, e.g. a window on the top storey, then this will be highlighted and all relevant information will be shown in the quantities manager.

Quantity calculations offer numerous further options that you can explore afterwards. Here you can, for example, calculate and visualize living space and gross room volumes, verification of the full storey or generate further material and component part lists. With the evaluation, you can easily check how changes to the building model affect the quantities and consequently also the costs.

Before we deal with the topic of visualization in the next chapter, you should close the quantities manager to return to normal working mode: