Acoustic Dimensions - AIM Workbench

While attending the BIMForum Winter 2011 sessions last week I heard two people speak regarding acoustics, Craig Janssen and Andrew Mitchell. During dinner a month ago a HVAC engineer expressed frustration that Revit didn't already provide a way to calculate "noise" or acoustical rating for a space based on the HVAC equipment that relates to it. As it turns out Craig and Andrew's work with Acoustic Dimensions and Revit MEP prompted the same feeling from them. However Andrew decided to create an application to help resolve that using Revit's API. The result is AIM Workbench.

From their Overview page:

...snip
The AIM Workbench, short for Acoustic Information Model, is designed to fully integrate acoustical calculations and design information into the BIM environment. Like any other piece of information stored within a building information model, acoustic information can be exchanged and used freely, providing valuable information across all disciplines of the design team.
...snip

They said that we usually need three levels of tools:

• Macro Decision Making Tools
• Stand Alone Design Tools
• BIM Reporting Tools

They started out with a tool that worked inside Revit but soon discovered that the models they received often were "broken" from their standpoint. This means that the acoustical information either didn't exist or that systems were not well connected. Since they used the API to trace connected networks to see how they might impact spaces it is important to build the systems well. Adding the information to the parts wasn't really the hard part. They also realized that it is often necessary to allow for analysis apart from the model either for the early decisions (Macro Decisions) or to establish design criteria/mockups or the lack of a 3D model at all perhaps.

Back to the software... I didn't see it run, just screen shots but conceptually it looks promising. You can download a demo version and the site says to contact them about pricing. What I was told directly is that it is a Beta right now so the commercial aspect of AIM Workbench is still in flux.

Give it a "listen"?

HVAC Load Calculation Extension

There have been other posts about this extension but I figure I'll mention it again..but late. When Autodesk purchased Carmel Software (January 2008) they rebranded it and released it as a subscription benefit. Time for a pretty picture!

What it is:

The HVAC Load Calculation Extension by Autodesk, Inc. is a commercial and industrial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) load calculation software package whose calculations are based upon the ASHRAE 2005 Fundamentals radiant time series (RTS) method.

It's purpose:

This tool will provide you with total cooling and heating loads for a building so that you may properly specify the correct size HVAC equipment (whether it is a packaged rooftop unit or a boiler). This program is geared specifically toward the HVAC engineer, architect, design/build mechanical contractor, and building maintenance supervisor.

Some key features:

Input HVAC system characteristics such as supply cooling and heating temperatures, ventilation rates, fan characteristics, cooling and heating setpoints, duct sizing, and safety factors

Input HVAC area (room) characteristics such as wall, window, roof, door, skylight, and partition areas. In addition, there are inputs for # of people, electrical appliances, infiltration, lighting, miscellaneous, exhaust, and plenum loads

Weather data from over 800 cities throughout the world

A complete u-value database for common wall, roof, window, floor, and door types

A complete appliance list for determining internal electrical equipment load contributions

Many reports including summary, detailed, psychrometric, wall/window breakdown, 24-hour load breakdown, and graphical reports

A feature that allows the user to export all inputs and outputs to custom Microsoft Word and Excel documents

Equipment selection

Support for both English (IP) and Metric (SI) units

I've noticed a couple traces of Carmel still in the product the other day as pictured here.

The information provided here can be found in the Help documentation for this software. It is provided as a compliment to Revit and AutoCAD MEP software. Most notable is that you can export TO GBXML format from either product, then Import into this extension and THEN export BACK to them.

Check it out!