Computers (June 01, 2004)

Autodesk released several new products this spring. Autodesk Building Systems 2005 is an integrated object-oriented application especially for mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers. It has new data-linking capabilities to allow engineers to use design data from the building information model and transfer it into leading third-party applications for energy, load and fire protection hydraulic analysis.

Another new release was the Autodesk Revit 6.1 and AutoCAD Revit Series 2. Revit 6.1 has new data exchange tools, improved tools for structural layout, more modeling functionality, drafting and detailing enhancements and scheduling elements.

New Autodesk Land Desktop 2005, Autodesk Civil Design 2005, Autodesk Survey 2005 and Autodesk Raster Design 2005, were also released. Autodesk Civil Design, for example, streamlines tasks to design drainage systems, grading scenarios and roads. www.autodesk.com

Softek Services has released TEDDS Version 7.0. Developed for civil and structural engineers, TEDDS is a Microsoft Word-based or stand-alone calculation pad for high quality presentations. Has a comprehensive library of civil and structural engineering calculations and associated engineering sketches for a variety of materials and structural forms. Calculations range in complexity from simple code checks to complete automatic calculations for steel, concrete, timber, masonry panels, pile caps, retaining walls etc. Newly created calculations can be mixed with library items and stored as a company standard. Includes tools such as the Section Property Calculator which enables the user to draw complex shapes, or the Continuous Beam Module which handles up to 10 span beams. www.csc-softek.com, tel. 604-273-7737

Visimation is producing Visio Shapes designed explicitly for HVAC building automation drawings. The product is part of its ShapeSuite line. www.visimation.com