SteelVis - NIST CIS/2 to VRML Translator (Online version)

Overview

The CIMSteel Integration Standards (CIS/2) is the product model and electronic data exchange format (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. For more information about SteelVis and CIS/2, go to: CIS/2 and IFC research at NIST.

From this web page, a CIS/2 file can be translated into a 3D interactive model in the form of a VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) file that can be viewed in a web browser with a VRML plugin. Use the VRML plugin detector to check if your web browser is properly configured to be able to view VRML files.

SteelVis recognizes CIS/2 entities related to analysis, detailed (manufacturing), and design models, however, some entities related to those types of models are ignored. Users can visualize CIS/2 files and make them available on the web and software developers can verify their CIS/2 export capabilities.

Issues related to CIS/2 and SteelVis can be discussed in the CIS/2 Google Group.

SteelVis Version: 8.02 (Last update: 20 Jan 2010)

1. To translate a CIS/2 file to a VRML model, enter the local file name of the CIS/2 file in the typein box above or use the Browse... button to find the file on your local computer. The CIS/2 file must be an ASCII text file.
2. By default, the CIS/2 file is initially translated to a VRML text file. This way the the translation process can be verified that it was successful. Error and warning messages generated by SteelVis about the CIS/2 translation process are at the end of the file. The resulting VRML can be saved in a file by copying and pasting the VRML text into a text editor such as Wordpad. Edit the file to remove any HTML tags at the top and bottom of the file. The first line of the .wrl file must be #VRML V2.0 utf8   The file must be saved with an extension of .wrl In the extension .wrl, the last letter is an 'L' not the number '1'.
3. The CIS/2 file can also be translated directly to a 3D interactive model. If there are no errors with the VRML that is generated, then it will be displayed in the VRML plugin. If the VRML file cannot be translated directly to a VRML model or the VRML model is never displayed, then generate the VRML as text as in the previous step.
4. If the VRML model cannot be displayed, try turning off some of the Display Features above such as Bolts for Detailed models, the Wireframe and Nodes for Analysis models, and all of the Text Popup Reports.

If you do not have your own CIS/2 files to translate, a zip file of sample CIS/2 files can be downloaded to your computer. Unzipping this file will create a directory Sample_CIS2_Files. The CIS/2 files in that directory have a file extension of .stp.

A VRML plugin must be installed in the web browser in order to be able to view a CIS/2 file that is translated to a VRML file. Use the VRML plugin detector to check if your web browser is properly configured to be able to view VRML files.

Although SteelVis might create a VRML model that looks correct, it does not imply that the CIS/2 file conforms to the CIS/2 structural frame schema. Conformance to the schema can be checked with tools such as Express Engine, Express Data Manager, STEP Tools, and others. A VRML model that looks correct also does not imply that the CIS/2 file follows recommended practices, software implementers agreements, or that it can be imported into another CIS/2 importing application.

• Not all combinations of display options are available. Assembly reports override member and bolt or weld system reports. Ignoring web and flanges thickness will also ignore copes. Load, displacement, and reaction reports are always in a web browser window. Some CIS/2 entities are translated only if certain display features are turned on such as generating reports or nodes.
• SteelVis has a lookup table of dimensions for many of the standard section profile designators (i.e. W14X61), but there are some nonstandard designators that are not in the table. If the designator is not in the lookup table or cannot be parsed, the resulting VRML will show a white member with a rectangular cross section. If the assumed units for the cross section dimensions are different than the units for the length then the cross section will be too large or small.

• An error occurs with the translation or VRML display. Errors that occur during the translation process are automatically reported back to the developer of SteelVis and can be readily fixed if they are not dependent on the CIS/2 file.
• If the VRML model looks wrong, then it is either a problem with SteelVis or the model. Check the top and bottom of the VRML text for error and warning messages.

For problems or questions about SteelVis - CIS/2 to VRML and IFC Translator, contact: Robert Lipman of the Computer Integrated Building Processes Group at NIST
SteelVis and web page scripts are written in Tcl (8.5.7). The online user interface uses cgi.tcl (1.10.0).

This software was developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology by employees of the Federal Government in the course of their official duties. Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code this software is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. This software is an experimental system. NIST assumes no responsibility whatsoever for its use by other parties, and makes no guarantees, expressed or implied, about its quality, reliability, or any other characteristic. We would appreciate acknowledgement if the software is used.

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