Allplan+2018+top !!top!! File
In the fast-evolving world of architecture and engineering, Allplan 2018 stands as a pivotal chapter in the history of Building Information Modeling (BIM) The Evolution of Allplan 2018
Released in October 2017, Allplan 2018 marked a significant shift from a "lone superstar" application to a "team player" in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry. Before this version, even high-end CAD software often felt like an isolated island of data. Allplan 2018 changed that by prioritizing interoperability collaboration The "Actionbar" Revolution
One of the most notable changes for daily users was the introduction of the User-Centric Design:
Recognizing that their toolset had become vast and sometimes overwhelming, the developers replaced cluttered menus with a modern, intuitive bar that surfaced tools based on the current task. Efficiency Boost:
This shift wasn’t just aesthetic; it allowed architects and engineers to access complex BIM tools more quickly, significantly reducing "click fatigue". Breaking Down Data Silos: IFC4 and Bimplus
A major theme of the 2018 release was "collaboration without limits." IFC4 Export/Import: The software introduced optimized support for the IFC4 format
, an open standard that allows different BIM programs to "talk" to each other. This meant an architect using Allplan could seamlessly share models with a structural engineer using different software. Bimplus Integration: For the first time, users were deeply integrated with
, a cloud-based collaboration platform. This allowed project teams to manage models, documents, and tasks in one central location, ensuring everyone worked from a "single source of truth". Precision Meets Practicality
Beyond collaboration, the 2018 version focused on technical excellence: Certified Accuracy: allplan+2018+top
The software’s graphic quantity takeoff—essential for accurate cost planning—was certified by , a prestigious German testing organization. Infrastructure Focus: This era also saw the birth of Allplan Bridge
, a specialized tool for parametric bridge modeling that has since become a global standard used in over 40 countries. A Legacy of Modernity While newer versions like Allplan 2023
have since introduced features like "Fly mode" and advanced point cloud support, the 2018 release remains the foundation for the modern, collaborative BIM workflows used today. It was the moment Allplan truly embraced the cloud and open-standard data exchange, helping the construction industry move toward a more digital and connected future. specific hardware requirements to run this version or how it compares to newer releases ALLPLAN announces the new BIM solution Allplan 2018-1
Allplan 2018 is a comprehensive Building Information Modeling (BIM) software that introduced significant usability and collaboration updates, most notably the integration
. It is widely recognized for its precision in 3D modeling and detailed structural engineering, particularly for reinforcement and civil infrastructure. Top Features & Improvements The Actionbar
: This task-oriented interface replaced traditional menus with a context-sensitive bar that displays relevant tools based on your current role (e.g., Architecture, Reinforcement, or Modeling), making the software more intuitive for new users. Enhanced Collaboration (Bimplus) : The integration with the
portal shifted Allplan from a standalone tool to a team-based platform, allowing real-time collaboration and centralized attribute management across different disciplines. Advanced Visualization : It utilizes the CineRender engine by MAXON
for high-quality, realistic rendering, including physical rendering methods and improved animation window quality. IFC4 Support In the fast-evolving world of architecture and engineering,
: Improved data exchange with other BIM software via optimized IFC4 export and import, ensuring better data integrity when working with external partners. Accurate Quantity Take-offs : The software is certified by
for high-performance graphic quantity determination, allowing for reliable cost analysis when used with NEVARIS software. Performance & System Requirements Reviewers from
note that while Allplan is powerful, it can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of tools, though the 2018 updates aimed to streamline this experience. Minimum Requirement Recommended Specification Intel Core 2 or compatible Intel Core i7 or i5 OpenGL 3.3 compatible, 1 GB RAM OpenGL 4.2 compatible, 8 GB RAM 5 GB free disk space High-speed SSD recommended Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit) Windows 10 (64-bit) Comparison to Industry Alternatives ALLPLAN announces the new BIM solution Allplan 2018-1 12 Apr 2018 —
3. Integrated Clash Avoidance (Not Just Detection)
Most software in 2018 (Navisworks, Solibri) would detect a clash after you hit "run." Allplan 2018 Top introduced live clash avoidance. As you dragged a beam through a duct, the system highlighted the conflict in real-time.
- Workflow Impact: Engineers could design and check simultaneously, a feature that felt "future-proof" in 2018.
4. The Integrated Clash Detective
Top for Structural Engineers
Gone were the days of running a separate Solibri license for basic checks. Allplan 2018 shipped with a native Clash Detective module that was surprisingly robust. Unlike basic clash checks that only find hard collisions, this tool offered:
- Spatial clashes (e.g., no guardrail near a void).
- Component logic (e.g., a window must be inside a wall opening, not just touching it).
Users could filter clashes by status (new/active/ignored) and generate colored 3D reports directly from the model.
1. The "Intelligent Object" Revolution
Allplan 2018 Top introduced an upgraded scripting engine for parametric objects. Users could now create intelligent components (windows, doors, steel connections) that carried legal specifications and material data. Dynamic Quantities . Unlike static reports
- Why it was "Top": This wasn't just a block library. These objects had physics. If a wall moved, the hosted objects moved with constraints.
3. Precast Concrete 4.0
Top for Industrial Production
While Allplan has always dominated the precast market, 2018 introduced Smart Parts logic. This meant that a wall panel wasn't just a 3D block; it knew it was a wall. It automatically generated reinforcement, lifting anchors, and sandwich panel insulation.
Key upgrade: Direct CNC export. The 2018 version streamlined the code generation for automated production lines (like Vollert or Weckenmann). Users reported a 30% reduction in data preparation time between "approval drawing" and "factory machine."
4. The "Top" Quantities Table
Navigate to Evaluation > Dynamic Quantities. Unlike static reports, this table updates as you model. Filter by "Top" (to see only high-quality structural elements vs. architectural placeholders). Export directly to GAEB (German standard) for bidding.
Market Position & Legacy
In 2018, Allplan was widely regarded as “BIM for engineers who draft.” Its top differentiators versus competitors:
| vs. Revit | Allplan 2018 wins on reinforcement detailing, 2D CAD speed, and file‑based version control (no cloud dependency). | | vs. ArchiCAD | Allplan 2018 wins on structural integration and quantity takeoff out‑of‑the‑box. | | vs. Tekla Structures | Allplan 2018 is more accessible to architectural firms and offers better render quality. |
4. Bimplus Synchronization
The "Top" edition came with a robust link to Bimplus—Nemetschek’s cloud collaboration platform. This allowed distributed teams to view the federated model on iPads in the field, mark up PDFs, and sync comments back to the 2018 desktop client.