CIS/2 and IFC - Product Data Standards for Structural Steel
SteelVis (CIS/2 to VRML and IFC Translator, aka CIS/2 Viewer)
SteelVis can translate a CIS/2 file into a VRML file (3D model for viewing) or an
IFC file. The VRML files can be viewed
with a VRML plugin or other software. SteelVis also
includes the CIS/2 File Analyzer that generates a spreadsheet from a CIS/2 file.
The IFC files can imported into many IFC viewers and
BIM programs. IFC files
can be imported directly to Google SketchUp with the IFC2SKP plugin.
The VRML models can also be displayed with X3DOM which does not require any plugin to
view the 3D model.
Research about developing an IFC to CIS/2 translator was done at Georgia Tech. There is no VRML to CIS/2 or IFC converter.
SteelVis was initially developed in 2000 as a command-line program running on a Silicon Graphics workstation. In 2001
it was ported to run as a web service. The Windows version was released in 2003.
The IFC File Analyzer is also available.
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Presentations and Papers
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The CIMSteel Integration Standards (CIS/2) is the product model and electronic data exchange
file format for structural steel project information. CIS/2 is intended to create a seamless and
integrated flow of information among all parties of the steel supply chain involved in the
construction of steel framed structures. It has been
endorsed by AISC as their format for
data exchange between steel related CAD software. CIMsteel stands for the Computer Integrated Manufacturing of
Constructional Steelwork.
CIS/2 has been implemented as a file import or export capability by many
steel design, analysis, engineering, fabrication, and construction software packages.
A CIS/2 file exported by an analysis or design program could be imported into
a detailing program to detail the connections.
CIS/2 itself is not a software package that you buy. The user will see it as a file format, just like DXF is a file format,
that is imported or exported in a steel related CAD software.
The CIS/2 standard covers everything from nuts and bolts to materials and loads to frames and
assemblies. Structures can be represented as analysis, design, or manufacturing (detailed) models. There is
a logical relationship between the different types of models. For example, a beam in an analysis model that has to be
subdivided for analysis is logically only one beam in the detailed model.
The use of CIS/2 and the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) is an important part of improving the delivery of structural steel projects in the steel
supply chain. It can eliminate the redundant and error-prone reentry of information. Interoperability between different
CAD software packages using CIS/2 and IFC is also a key driver of
Building Information Modeling (BIM).
CIS/2 was not developed by NIST or AISC, rather, NIST served on the AISC's EDI Review Team that chose CIS/2 as the standard
for structural steel project information. CIS/2 was developed by Andrew Crowley and Alastair Watson at the
Steel Construction Institute (UK).
NIST has helped software vendors implement the standard and helped steel designers,
detailers, and fabricators use the standard. SteelVis was developed by NIST. Georgia Tech
has also been instrumental in the development and implementation of CIS/2.
| CIS/2 Resources |
Documentation |
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| Articles |
Research |
- Modern Steel Construction (AISC) articles:
Is a Robot in Your Future?,
Model Exchange and Review - Live,
Detailing and BIM: Are You Ready?,
BIM in the Real World,
Second Nature,
Constructability - Now More Than Ever,
Inclined Towards Interoperability,
Driving Toward an Integrated Solution,
Practical BIM,
A Virtual Success,
Between Dimensions,
Super Models,
Consider Constructability,
Dream Team,
3 Schools + 2 Years = 1 Team,
Building Better,
Outside the Box,
Dynamic Exchange,
On The Horizon,
Leaping Ahead With EDI
- BIM Fundamentals Seminar for Structural Engineers
- The CIS/2 Format: Another AEC Interoperability Standard
- Steel Sector Plans Paradigm Shift
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Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)
The Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) are the product data model developed by
buildingSMART
to facilitate interoperability in the building industry. A CIS/2
to IFC translator (SteelVis) has been developed. This allows CIS/2 information to be imported into
BIM applications that support IFC. In the BIM software
the steel structure can be used to do model coordination and clash detection with other parts of the structure such as
mechanical systems, ductwork, and concrete structures.
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IFC Resources
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NIST Resources
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VRML Models generated by SteelVis from CIS/2 Files
Use the VRML plugin detector to check if your
web browser is properly configured to be able to view the VRML example files below.
To generate your own VRML models, use SteelVis with the following
sample CIS/2 files.
The sample CIS/2 files used to generate the VRML models below do not necessarily reflect the current CIS/2 export
capabilities of the software packages represented nor are there associated VRML models for all software packages
that have implemented CIS/2. NIST Disclaimer
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AceCad StruCad
The VRML model below was generated from CIS/2 files exported by
StruCad steel detailing software from
AceCad.
SteelVis is integrated into StruWalker Plus to import CIS/2 files.
StruMIS also supports CIS/2. (YouTube)
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Autodesk Revit Structure
The VRML models below were generated from CIS/2 files exported by
Revit Structure from
Autodesk. The Revit Structure CIS/2 import and export translator is available
here. Revit Structure also supports IFC. Navisworks,
AutoCAD Structural Detailing, and Robot Structural Analysis also support CIS/2 and/or IFC.
(YouTube)
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Bentley RAM Steel, STAAD.Pro, and Structural Modeler
The VRML models below were generated from CIS/2 files exported by
RAM Steel,
STAAD.Pro (CIS/2 Export in STAAD), and
Structural Modeler
(Viewing CIS/2 Files)
from Bentley.
SteelVis is integrated into ConstructSim to import CIS/2 files.
ProSteel also supports CIS/2.
Bentley Structural Modeler also supports IFC. (YouTube)
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Computers & Structures ETABS and SAP2000
The VRML models below were generated from CIS/2 files exported by
SAP2000 and
ETABS
from Computers & Structures. ETABS and SAP2000 also support IFC. (YouTube)
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Design Data SDS/2
The VRML models below were generated from CIS/2 files exported by
SDS/2 steel detailing software from
Design Data. SDS/2 also supports IFC. (YouTube)
| VRML | Parts | Other features |
| ctiw.wrl |
20981 |
Bolts (48808), welds, sequences
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| dd_pvs.wrl |
18984 |
Bolts (30437), welds
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| TrainingStructure.wrl,
Summary report
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1742 |
This is a structure that is used to train ironworkers and crane operators,
Photograph during construction,
Bird's eye view
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seminar.wrl, Summary report,
3D PDF,
Google SketchUp model
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840 |
Training seminar model. The Google SketchUp model was created by translating the CIS/2 file to IFC with SteelVis and
imported to Google Sketchup with the
IFC2SKP plugin.
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| manufacture.wrl, Summary report | 173 |
Bolts, holes, welds, copes, zones for the construction sequence, decking
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| AISC_Sculpture_J.wrl,
Summary report,
3D PDF
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115 |
For more information about the AISC Steel Sculpture, go to
AISC,
Facebook,or
search Google. Sculpture printed in 3D
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Graitec Advance Steel
The VRML models below were generated from CIS/2 files exported by
Advance Steel from Graitec. Advance Steel also supports IFC. (YouTube)
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GTSTRUDL
The VRML models below were generated from CIS/2 files exported by
GT STRUDL.
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Intergraph SmartPlant 3D and FrameWorks Plus
The VRML models below were generated from CIS/2 files exported by
SmartPlant 3D and
FrameWorks Plus steel design software from
Intergraph. CADWorx Steel also supports CIS/2. (YouTube)
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RISA-3D
The VRML models below were generated from CIS/2 files exported by
RISA-3D from RISA Technologies. (CIS/2 Translator Reference)
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Tekla Structures
The VRML models below were generated from CIS/2 files exported by
Tekla Structures
from Tekla. Tekla Structures also supports IFC. (YouTube)
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CIS/2 import and/or export is also supported by:
Check with the software vendors for complete details.
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by employees of the Federal Government in the course of their official duties. Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the
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