AEC Magazine January / February 2019

NEWTECNIC DESIGN-ENGINEERED CHANGSHA INTERNATIONAL CULTURE AND ARTS CENTRE

Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology for Architecture, Engineering and Construction

WELCOME TO 2036 To celebrate the 100th edition of AEC Magazine we explore what AEC technology might look like 17 years from now when the 200th edition rolls off the press

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Celebrating 100 editions of the magazine dedicated to Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology for Architecture, Engineering and Construction

100 and still going strong

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f you’re wondering who the slightly suspect looking blokes are at the top of the page, that’s us — the editors of AEC Magazine (Greg Corke on the left and Martyn Day on the right) — circa 2002, the same year we launched AEC Magazine. Seventeen years on and we are now celebrating our 100th edition. Boy, do we feel old.

The traditional thing to do here is to cast our minds back to that first publication, to an era when Avril Lavigne topped the charts and trucker hats were thought to be a good fashion choice.

But, truth be told, neither of us can remember what was in that first publication.

It’s embarrassing to admit, but some of our early archive CDs simply don’t work anymore. If there’s one take home from this very special edition of AEC Magazine, it’s back-up your data, then back it up again somewhere else. And don’t rely on the printed copies you thought were in your mum’s loft either. If there’s anyone out there with better document management skills than us, we’d love to hear from you.

We do, of course, know that so much has changed since 2002. Back then, most of our readers used 2D CAD, but the editorial remit for AEC Magazine was always about the future. We focused almost exclusively on 3D model-based design from the very beginning. Even back then we were bored by 2D. We do wonder if our 2002 selves could have ever predicted what the AEC technology industry might look like in 2019. Drones, reality modelling, deep learning, mixed reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and 3D printed buildings were the stuff of science fiction in the early 2000s. But in a relatively short space of time they are already becoming a reality for a growing number of AEC firms.

Our trip down memory lane on pages 20-24 shows just how far we have come.

It would be remiss of us as a magazine not to make some predictions. So, with the help of some industry experts, our cover story this month looks seventeen years into the future when (somewhat overconfidently, some might say) we will publish our 200th edition.

In an early draft of the article, one of the interviewees predicted that the 2D drawing would still be prevalent in our industry. This didn’t make the final edit as we didn’t feel it was sufficiently future looking and didn’t fit in with the amazing year 2036 visualisations that Newtecnic provided for this issue. But the reality is, the 2D drawing will likely still exist 17 years from now. After all, we all know change can be slow and old habits die hard.

However, we believe that for our industry to truly progress 2D needs to be ditched altogether, especially printed output. Unless, selfishly of course, you’re talking about magazines. In that case we hope that print lives forever.

Finally, we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone that’s been on this amazing journey with us — fellow colleagues, contributors and advertisers; it wouldn’t have been possible without your support. And finally, the most important of all, our amazing readers. Without you it’d all be rather pointless.

We’d love to see you in person at the Queen Elizabeth II centre in London for NXT BLD on June 11 to discuss the future of AEC technology. You could even try to turn the conversation around to our dodgy 2002 haircuts.

Greg Corke and Martyn Day // AEC Magazine’s editors

www.AECmag.com

January / February 2019 [The 100th Edition]

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06/11/2018 10:44

editorial

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Celebrating 100 editions of the magazine dedicated to Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology for Architecture, Engineering and Construction

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MANAGING EDITOR GREG CORKE greg@x3dmedia.com

CONSULTING EDITOR MARTYN DAY martyn@x3dmedia.comm

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FINANCIAL CONTROLLER SAMANTHA TODESCATO-RUTLAND sam@chalfen.com AEC Magazine is available FREE to qualifying individuals. To ensure you receive your regular copy please register online at www.aecmag.com about AEC Magazine is published bi-monthly by X3DMedia Ltd Room 7, 1st Floor, Unit 2 465C Hornsey Road London, N19 4DR T. +44 (0)20 3355 7310 F. +44 (0)20 3355 7319 © 2019 X3DMedia Ltd All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without prior permission from the publisher is prohibited. All trademarks acknowledged. Opinions expressed in articles are those of the author and not of X3DMedia. X3DMedia cannot accept responsibility for errors in articles or advertisements within the magazine.

The future of AEC technology 12

Synchro and 4D construction 32

To celebrate the 100th edition of AEC Magazine we explore what AEC technology might look like in 2036 when the 200th edition comes out

Bentley Systems’ recent acquisition of Synchro demonstrates its commitment to 4D sequencing, scheduling and planning

Now and then 20 We look back over 17 years of AEC Magazine at the key events that helped shape our industry

AI - frontiers in construction 35 Are we ready for the digital ingenuity promised by AI and neural networks?

The hit parade 24

Hypar.io 38

The top ten most viewed articles on AECmag.com since time began ... well, since the launch of Google Analytics

With this ingenious service the cloud looks set to play a more active role than ever in the automatic design of buildings

BIM 360 - the heart of construction 26

ISO 19650 41

With the recent acquisition of PlanGrid and BuildingConnected, Autodesk is betting big on constrction

Rebecca De Cicco explores the realities of applying the new International BIM standard across the globe Also this month: 8, 9, 10 News

24-page Workstation Special Report

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News

CL3VER unveils real-time cloud rendering technology

Productivity tools for Revit and Civil 3D xcitech is offering its Autodesk subscription customers a free productivity toolkit for Autodesk Revit and Civil 3D. The Excitech Toolkit features productivity tools from KobiLabs, the CAD/BIM consulting and software development company, and a Lite version of Eagle Point Software’s e-learning platform, Pinnacle Series.

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■ excitech.co.uk

L3VER, the real time rendering specialist in which V-Ray developer Chaos Group has a €2 million stake, has announced a new cloud solution for visualising real-time, photorealistic 3D content directly in a web browser.

The cloud rendering technology, which is based on Nvidia RTX, promises ‘immersive 3D navigation, fast loading times and instant changes’.

The technology is based on CL3VER’s new 3D ray tracing engine that renders ‘any 3D scene, regardless of its complexity’, in the cloud, live-streaming the visualisation to the browser. Based on

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standard HTML5 technology results can be viewed on any recent device (desktop or mobile) without the need of a plug-in.

CL3VER is also working on integrating this new technology into CL3VER Presenter, its presentation authoring tool, which will allow 3ds Max and Revit users to create photorealistic real-time 3D presentations from their 3D scenes and share them, in a few clicks, ‘without rendering times or any additional production time’. This is in part thanks to its compatibility with V-Ray content, where scenes can be imported, complete with materials, lights and cameras.

■ cl3ver.com

Virtual wind tunnel imScale has teamed up with Numeric Systems to launch Pacefish, a new GPU-based simulation solver for virtual wind tunnel analysis that boasts ‘high accuracy’ and ‘unparalleled speed’.

According to Simscale, it is 20-30 times faster at solving transient simulations than traditional methods because of the way it runs on multiple GPUs in the cloud.

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VR enhances ground engineering projects iling, geotechnical and sheet piling contractor, Aarsleff Ground Engineering, has invested in a VR room from the

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Luminous Group to help its estimators and engineers develop proposals and enhance their knowledge and skills.

The ‘VROOM’ allows

staff to observe access points to determine appropriate rig type and see the surrounding environment before having to step foot on site. Soon, it will also allow clients to virtually visit construction sites pre-build to help them better understand the process on site and increase confidence in the product.

Aarsleff also plans to use VR for company marketing, health and safety inductions, site training and recruitment.

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luminousgroup.co.uk

simscale.com

Next gen BIM platform he next generation ‘bimstore 4.0’ platform is designed to build on its object library foundations to become a space where specifiers and manufacturers can come together and share knowledge and information.

According to bimstore, the new BIM platform aims to break down silos between specifiers and manufacturers, encourage collaboration and champion better ways of working in the built environment.

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■ bimstore.co

www.AECmag.com

06/02/2019 15:27

VR tool hot on collaboration ymmetry is a new VR tool for AEC professionals built to accelerate design validation through greater accuracy, better sense of scale and improved communication.

The software currently works with SketchUp files, but LiDAR files (*.las and *.laz) will be added soon. Support for *.IFC and Revit will follow later.

Symmetry features real time daylight simulation and support for SU Podium lights and materials. Team members can

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collaborate remotely on the same model using markup and annotation tools to communicate revisions from inside VR. All markups are saved to the 3D CAD model and synced to SketchUp via Symmetry Cloud. Revision history is archived and accessible to team members.

Designs revised within SketchUp and synced with Symmetry can be reviewed immediately within VR. The software costs $999 per user/year.

ROUND UP Corona gets smart The latest v3 release of Corona Renderer for 3ds Max features faster interactive rendering (IR) helping artists assess key elements like lighting early on in the design process. It also has an enhanced version of the Nvidia AI Denoiser, which uses deep learning to remove artifacts and grain, leaving a clear image ■ corona-renderer.com

IFC to Unity

■symmetryvr.com

Tridify has formed a partnership with Unity to deliver Tridify Convert, a new cloud service that helps Unity developers streamline the process of bringing BIM models into the immersive, interactive Unity game engine environment without losing the richness of the IFC data ■ tridify.com

3DRepo v3.0

AI uses 360° images to track site progress oloBuilder is adding an Artificial Intelligence (AI) solution “SiteAI” to its 360° construction site reality capture tool.

The new technology utilises computer vision and deep learning to analyse materials, objects and structures captured in 360° imagery with a view to automating construction processes, especially progress tracking.

According to the developers, automated progress control calculates progress

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reports without additional effort from capturing weekly 360° progress photos.

The progress can be automatically tracked, analysed and compared to the planned schedule to detect discrepancies as fast as possible. HoloBuilder claims that when SiteAI is implemented across projects, it allows processing progress payments faster, knowing the quantity for specific materials, comparing construction progress to schedules and much more.

■ holobuilder.com

Tekla Structures gets bridge design tool rimble has launched Tekla Bridge Creator, a new extension for Tekla Structures that supports the complete bridge design workflow from design geometry to constructible modelling and detailing.

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Trimble says the new software provides a solution to common problems: importing a road alignment directly from road design software; creating one or more key sections that define the bridge deck or even abutments; and

modelling and detailing the reinforcing bars.

The extension can be downloaded from the Tekla Warehouse in March. It is available for Tekla Structures customers with a software maintenance agreement.

The latest version 3.0 release of the cloud based digital construction platform 3D Repo includes a range of new tools. These include a notification centre that lets users manage and assign issues from a single place and new clipping tools that allow users to drill down through different model elements to help identify issues ■ 3drepo.org

Revit productivity Ideate Software has enhanced its Revit software add-ons. These include tools to pull information from a Revit file into Microsoft Excel, then push BIM data back into Revit, and a model browser that reduces the time Revit users spend on model management ■ Full story @ tinyurl.com/ideate-AEC

Construction merger GenieBelt and Aproplan have merged to form LetsBuild with a view to providing an ‘end-to-end’ digital solution that covers planning, progress and follow-up communication, on-site in the construction phase ■ letsbuild.construction

Topcon partnership Topcon Positioning GB has formed a partnership with Marubeni-Komatsu, the UK distributor of Komatsu construction equipment. MarubeniKomatsu customers will now have access to the full range of Topcon machine control systems for retrofitted systems including excavators and dozers ■ topconpositioning.com/gb

■ tekla.com

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ROUND UP Issue resolution

Machine to 3D print parts & structures for construction

A new integration between ClearEdge Verity construction verification software and BIM Track’s web-based collaboration platform for BIM coordination allows AEC professionals to more easily publish on site mistakes and assign the issues to team members ■ clearedge3d.com ■ bimtrack.co

Artlantis 2019 The AEC-focused rendering tools, Artlantis Render and Artlantis Studio have been unified in one application, Artlantis 2019. There are also several new features including a site insertion tool, 3D grass, vegetation and an expanded media catalogue ■ artlantis.com

Cloudalize in the US Cloudalize, the cloud platform for running GPU-accelerated applications on demand, has opened a data centre in the New York area to better support its international customers in the Americas region ■ cloudalize.com

Corona for C4D Render Legion has launched a version of its Corona Renderer for Cinema 4D. The company says the software simplifies visualisation by reducing the rendering process to a few clicks.

With interactive rendering artists get ‘immediate feedback’ as they work ■ corona-renderer.com

Construction deal Autodesk is to acquire BuildingConnected for $275 m, adding bid management, risk analysis and other preconstruction solutions to its portfolio. This is Autodesk’s second construction-centric acquisition in short succession, following the purchase of PlanGrid in 2018 ■ autodesk.com ■ buildingconnected.com

ne of the world’s largest hybrid manufacturing machines, which features metal additive and subtractive capabilities, is now ready to build, and will be capable of 3D printing large pieces of metal and large parts and structures for construction.

The EU-funded LASIMM project machine includes industrial robot arms and a specialised milling robot – the first

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for additive manufacturing of aluminium and steel, and the second for machining away surplus material to provide the final finish. According to the LASIMM team, the process will enable entire large-scale industries to move away from standardised components and towards bespoke solutions for industries such as aerospace, construction and more.

■ lasimm.eu

Mobile AR/VR tuned for collaboration obile Authoring from Visual Vocal is a new tool that allows construction teams to create and share immersive AR/VR content using a smart phone.

The software can capture real-world environments using a range of reality capture technologies – such as a Google VR180 camera or the free Google Cardboard camera app – and Visual Vocal’s proprietary annotation tools, to simplify the AR/VR creation process.

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Users can then create an immersive message called a “Vv”, which can be shared with team members via mobile phone and/or VR viewer.

The technology can also bring local and distributed teams together for design review. It supports a remote AR/VR linking technology that can connect up to 20 users into a shared virtual environment, hosted right from any iOS or Android device.

■ visualvocal.com

ISO 19650 education The Operam Academy is a new online learning solution designed to support the adoption of the new ISO 19650 Series, based upon the current UK 1192 BIM standards. Through interactive learning content Operam aims to educate the workforce on the latest standards and best practice for the management of information. Operam’s founder Paul Shillcock is due to speak at BIM Show Live on 27 February ■ operamacademy.com

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NXT BLD returns to London on June 11 EC Magazine’s NXT BLD event will be held at the QE II Centre, London, on June 11 for an expanded day with two conference streams and a larger exhibition space.

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January / February 2019 [The 100th Edition]

From advanced digital fabrication and AI to visualisation and VR, it’s a great opportunity to see the future of AEC technology.

Early bird tickets are available now for £40.

■ nxtbld.com

www.AECmag.com

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22/02/2018 21:36

Welcome to the future

To celebrate the 100th edition of AEC Magazine Randall S. Newton explores what Architecture, Engineering and Construction technology might look like in 2036 when the 200th edition rolls off the virtual press.

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January / February 2019 [The 100th Edition]

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he year 2002 was an interesting one in AEC. In 2002 Autodesk surprised many in the architecture technology community by acquiring startup Revit Technology Corporation for $133 million. In 2002 a patent was issued for building a database of infrastructure assets using lidar. In 2002 vendors of wide-format printers generally rented the largest booths at AEC technology trade shows. In 2002 Bentley Systems was in the initial stages of introducing MicroStation V8. In 2002 the mention of “Robot� in AEC circles was about a brand of structural analysis software. In 2002 this magazine published its first issue. www.AECmag.com

05/02/2019 18:11

IMAGE COURTESY OF NEWTECNIC

So much new technology has been introduced in the 17 years since AEC Magazine Issue No. 1 rolled off the press.

There were no smartphones, no tablets ... mobile workstations in 2002 were bulky, and nothing like the lightweight laptops we have today. PDF was one of several competing standards for publishing AEC documents. Such technologies as 3D scanning, virtual reality, and decent photorealistic visualisation were years away.

Many new technologies have been adopted by AEC, yet in many ways AEC has not changed as much as we might have predicted in 2002. Draughting is still more common than 3D modelling; printwww.AECmag.com

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ed documentation is still the Nathan King, Research Seen in 2036. At the Newtecnic designnorm; construction waste is Strategist at the Autodesk engineered Changsha still a major cost; production Build Space in Boston. “In International Culture and and construction workflows Arts Centre, 3D printers are the past 18 years there has deployed in a Newtecnic have not drastically changed. been progress in construcConstruction Lab to To celebrate AEC Magazine tion, but not a lot.” manufacture replacement Issue No. 100, we have asked King believes it is imporbuilding components industry technologists to cast tant to examine the “drivers their vision forward to 2036 — well and demands” in order to understand beyond any vendor’s official roadmap — what technology innovations will impact to when AEC Magazine Issue No. 200 AEC. Demand for built infrastructure will will come out. increase in places which are the least developed today. It will be challenging to Understanding the drivers of change build in these areas, King says. “How do “From a construction standpoint, 18 we realise the demand? There will be years is a relatively short time,” says shortages of materials and workers. Such January / February 2019 [The 100th Edition]

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05/02/2019 18:11

Feature

The Newtecnic designengineered outer envelope of Istanbul City Museum undergoing routine maintenance in 2036. A Newtecnic Construction Lab generates replacement façade components that are installed by robots and cobots

a confluence of challenges presents an eBay. Amazon, Uber, and Airbnb “have opportunity to accelerate adoption of tech- learned to meet supply with demand nology in construction.” A “compression of resources external to them.” Companies adoption” mentality is required if AEC is to will create software platforms offering twomeet the challenges, King says. sided markets for AEC services “for There will be a sharp increase in the use exchanging engineering knowledge in techof off-site manufactured building compo- nical engineering memorandum format.” nents. “The trend will be toward more Such a service would allow his employer, complexity in the factory to reduce time for example, to reach out to external “and on site,” King says. Combining factory generally underutilised” talent. production with automation on site Wendling says an AEC productivity “solves issues like staging and sequential platform could transform the creation, construction.” peer review, and approval of calculations, Some of the required changes are not standard operating procedures, tender technological but social, King says. “One requests, and other elements of AEC challenge is the segregation of the con- design / build practice. Such micro contristruction industry around trades and the butions are too tedious to manage using ownership of responsibility. New technolo- existing practices, but could be automated gy allows us to break down these barriers.” using elements from social media and of the virtual job site, linked as a digital There are “hundreds” of separate industri- blockchain. “If you harness the distributed twin to the physical reality. “Everyone al processes in AEC, King notes; “we need sources of knowledge, you gain. Today a enters and leaves the virtual job site, and it to combine them around a common goal 60 percent talent utilisation is considered is all recorded on the blockchain” during and a common platform to desegregate a standard. We think we can do better.” the design and engineering phases. segregated industry.”

Wendling leads the Blockchain Wendling says a wider circle of particiRobotics will play a pants will interact with role in 2036, but more the developing digital likely as exoskeletal model through virtual AI-driven analytics and positioning modelling will reality as the physical devices to increase worker abilities, King project takes shape. A allow multiple innovations to flourish on the job says. “We will see a masthird layer would issue site, from self-driving equipment to site-aware sive reduction of injuand manage smart conries onsite, due to better tracts for construction robotic welders and fastening specialists control, better tracking, management. “The BIM and safer working layer would connect to methods. The trend is clear toward more Community of Practice at Jacobs, one of this third layer through augmented reality robotics on site.” many internal think tanks inside the com- at the actual job site,” says Wendling. pany. As part of an engineering services AEC in the gig economy platform, blockchain would have several Digital Twins and smart goggles The biggest technological changes in AEC roles, which he describes as layers of Researchers at Bentley Systems are taking by 2036 won’t be about specific applica- management. “One layer would be gener- a look at how two of the technologies tions like 3D printing or drone scanning, ating tokens for credentials, reputation Wendling described – digital twins and says Thomas Wendling of Jacobs scores, quality scores, and curation,” says augmented reality – will impact AEC. Engineering. Instead, the most radical Wendling. “We believe blockchain can be Adam Klatzkin imagines the day when changes will be in business models. “Look the organisational structure for how “the combination of artificial intelligence at the platform revolution already taking knowledge is articulated.” and machine learning with digital twins shape around us,” Wendling says, citing a Wendling sees a second layer of BIM on will play a significant role in how physical book of the same name. Companies like a blockchain as the autonomous manager assets are designed, built, and operated.”

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IMAGE COURTESY OF NEWTECNIC

As Bentley’s senior director for Infrastructure Digital Twins, Klatzkin says these technologies will provide the basis for profound advances in AEC practice. “These approaches are only as good as the data available for analysis,” he says. “With the increasing maturation of infrastructure digital twins and the aggregation of their data sets, future AEC professionals will derive real-time feedback and predictive insights such as cost, safety, and performance based on entire portfolios of assets – or even the digital twin of an entire city, state, or nation.”

“By accurately displaying CAD models and metadata in context, both indoors or outdoors, smart glasses will augment the built environment right before your eyes,” says Stéphane Côté, a Bentley research scientist. By 2036 such augmentation will include “IoT live data such as pressure and temperature, AI-powered analytics, hidden asset locations, maintenance history and schedules, assembly procedures, and hazardous areas perimeters.” Users of this smart technology will be able to make changes to designs on site using hand gestures, and get help from intelligent virtual assistants. “Colleagues will virtually telewww.AECmag.com

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port near you to help solve issues related to all aspects of the project.”

Real-time data for safety & efficiency “We see a continued march toward safety and efficiency on site,” says Andy Evans, the product manager for mass data capture at Topcon Positioning. “We expect automated construction sites will be mainstream by 2036.”

Robots will play a major role in construction site automation, Evans believes.

“Robots will be reducing the risk to life on site by removing the need for bodies near machinery. Constant positioning and verification will mean projects are completed within the swiftest of timescales.”

Data will be gathered from every direction and used immediately, Evans says.

“The Internet of Things will provide us with a truly connected construction site – from planning to long term management.

Embedded sensors and software to monitor use of infrastructure assets will feed into a digital twin of a project. Ultimately, smart cities will become a reality as we embrace this type of technology. Data across an entire urban environment can be used to inform projects.”

AI at the job site and in the building Artificial intelligence (AI), 5G cellular data transmission, and edge computing are buzzword technologies today that will have a huge impact on AEC by 2036, according to Hexagon Chief Technology Officer Claudio Simao. “Process optimisation is the holy grail,” notes Simao.

With its roots in metrology for manufacturing and site data for construction, Hexagon is focusing its research on using AI to simplify the complex processes required to use sensor data in real time.

The goal is “hyper-connectivity” that starts with data gathered on-site. Edge computing – a distributed computing vision that decentralises data processing to smart devices in the field – will be where AI routines start to make sense of the local sensor data. High bandwidth in the field will be ubiquitous thanks to 5G cellular technology (or its replacement by 2036) allowing distributed use of the data for many purposes in real time.

“Edge computing goes straight to distribution of applications,” says Simao.

“AI-driven analytics and positioning modelling” will allow multiple innovations to flourish on the job site, from self-

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Feature

driving equipment to site-aware robotic tricity. The idea that the model is the cen- Journalist becomes the prognosticator welders and fastening specialists who can tre of all design and construction pro- In 2018 I found myself on the speaking adjust their work without direct human cesses is not sustainable.” circuit explaining the potential of blockinput using constantly updated site data.

Harpham foresees a “unified data plat- chain for industrial processes including These devices will have embedded AI form” which all participants access in a construction. I needed new phrases and technology so the computation driving manner similar to using a browser to concepts to describe where I thought the the devices can be done internally, not at a access the Internet. “As you browse you technology was headed. One was “agora centralised computer. gain information and you add informa- assets,” which I define as “intelligent AI-driven analytics are the goal, but tion.” AEC data becomes an operational autonomous buildings, infrastructure, or Simao says the bridge from here to there platform where nothing is lost or set machines which are situationally aware, is not clear due to a lack of AI and Deep aside over time. “Information coordina- interactive, and trustworthy.”

Learning experts today. “We suffer a lot tion needs to be more like a snowball.”

By 2036 such agora assets will routinefrom lack of data talent,” Simao says, Harpham says. “BIM only works at the ly interact with humans and each other speaking of the industry in general. early design stage. The inevitability of in ways not possible today. Bandwidth “There is a lack of knowledge to apply the drones and robots to deliver a building speed and latency issues will be elimicorrect questions.” Today most algo- won’t happen unless the data foundation nated, making asset-to-asset and assetrithms and frameworks for Deep becomes more reliable.” to-office communications into real-time Learning – the ability for an AI program transactions. to study a data set and make operational New value propositions Light poles will double as giant umbreldecisions – are open source and widely By 2036 economic value measurement las, opening and closing on instructions shared because there are so few develop- systems will be based on “formerly from a nearby tall building in charge of ers capable of writing custom deep learn- intangible values such as collaboration, local weather response services. Selfing routines. Simao says open algorithms social, creative, and intellectual capital of driving taxis (or dump trucks, bulldozers, are good for getting started, but vendors people,” says Daniel Robles, CEO and etc.) will be owned by “shareholders” who will need custom AI algorithms they can founder of the Integrated Engineering bought a sliver of ownership using blockfine-tune for the application. “An AI Blockchain Consortium. For AEC, this chain tech but who may never see or use model tuned to a specific application must means a new way to describe the value of the vehicle, the way individuals and instihave specific domain tutions own stocks knowledge. When we today.

Maintenance, productise, we need full repair, and towing will I think the industry will move beyond model control of the code.” be contracted directly Cedric Desbordes of centricity. The idea that the model is the centre of all by the vehicle acting as CAD developer autonomous agent design and construction processes is not sustainable an Graebert GmbH says for its ownership.

Richard Harpham, Katerra the use of AI means Buildings will be able design and constructo see, hear, and certify tion documentation a record of local events. software will be much smarter in 2036. infrastructure by measuring the social If a self-driving car has an accident in Any future CAD software will not replace value and on-going utility of an asset. front of an agora building, both the auto the need for documenting projects in preRobles framed his initial thought as if and the building can be a witness of cise, readable detail. “It is about work- looking back from the future to 2036. “It record for legal purposes. flows that will allow users to collaborate turns out these measurements provided By 2036 we will be in the Autonomy with BIM users in a productivity-driven a superior representation of human pro- Economy era. Perhaps not by 2036, but workflow.” By 2036 such workflows will ductivity. Public infrastructure became soon after there will be autonomous tenbe assisted to a great degree by AI pro- the intrinsic value upon which public dering. Instead of searching first for real cessing. Desbordes envisions a CAD tool productivity was underwritten.” estate, then an architect, etc., the owner/ smart enough to analyse a picture of a Returning to speaking in the present operator will post a Request for Building bridge and provide searchable attributes moment, Robles says this vision starts using a decentralised app connected to a or offer design suggestions based both on today with the creation of a “decentralised few or a few thousand autonomous conaesthetics and structural analysis. knowledge inventory” for engineering struction consortia. Bids will be generatToday there is much discussion about professions. Such an inventory will allow ed automatically, offering a complete making the building information model engineers “to shift from a collection of package of land and building. No – “The BIM” – the central organising centralised silos into a self-aware global humans will be directly involved until technology for the AEC process. Richard network to adjudicate physical risk in real the potential owner and the winning conHarpham of Katerra is a BIM technology world systems. … The design IS the smart sortium agree on terms. pioneer who thinks the future won’t be contract.” This is accomplished through The Autonomy Economy will rely on a nearly so model-centric. “Today the tools an engineering-specific blockchain which wide cross section of maturing technolomake the individual more productive, includes “multi-agent game mechanisms gies in five areas: Intelligence, Real-time, but we don’t have increased coordination to configure human ingenuity” into an Operational, Autonomous, and for collaboration.” Harpham was an intrinsic asset. The result will be a “prior- Distributed (iROAD). The seed technoloearly employee at Revit, before and after itisation of infrastructure projects for sus- gies for all five elements are in play today, the Autodesk acquisition. “I think the tainability rather than overt consumption but are years removed from working as a industry will move beyond model cen- of the Earth’s natural resources.” synergistic unit.

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January / February 2019 [The 100th Edition]

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www.AECmag.com

05/02/2019 18:11

BIM Product of the Year ARCHICAD 22 delivers design tool improvements and also introduces enhanced design workflow processes.

These represent significant performance improvements as well as productivity enhancements to its core design processes as well as to multidisciplinary collaborative workflows.

For further information on ARCHICAD 22 contact GRAPHISOFT at graphisoft.com or call 01895 527590.

University

Library

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Photo

Š

Barbara

BuĚˆhler

C o v e r s t a r

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a r s

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AEC Magazine over the years

05/02/2019 15:15

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17 years of AEC Magazine 2 Autodesk launched Revit Structure. Prior to this, Revit had focused exclusively on architecture but this release introduced design and documentation for structural engineers as well as links to third party analysis packages. It also improved coordination between architect and structural engineer. Revit MEP was to follow in 2006.

Bentley Systems introduced Generative Components, a new type of CAD tool that uses rules and algorithms to generate complex designs. The software was embraced by the more technologically advanced London architectural firms before its commercial release in 2007.

It was the forerunner of other tools like Grasshopper for Rhino and Autodesk Dynamo.

2002

Microsoft shipped Windows XP x64, which was big news for those working with large CAD models. It laid the foundations for 64-bit apps which could address more than 4GB RAM. AMD and Intel began rolling out dual core CPUs to give workstations improved multitasking capabilities.

2004 2003

Autodesk bought a startup called Revit Technology Corporation for a colossal $133 million in cash. Revit was first released in 2000 so it didn’t have many customers, but Autodesk felt it was worth the money for a modern, model-based design tool that wasn’t held back by the shackles of AutoCAD. Revit eventually replaced Autodesk’s tough to love Architectural Desktop and went onto become the No. 1 BIM tool globally.

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November / December 2018

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2 2005

Tekla Structures was launched.

Evolving from XSteel, the steel fabrication and detailing tool, and Xengineer, the parametric 3D modelling tool for engineers, this first release set Tekla Structures on the path to becoming the multi material structural BIM tool that it is today.

P s dist bu A ser Ac Adob comm

Gehry Technologies, born out of Gehry Partners, launched Digital Project, a new generation AEC tool built on Catia V5 which is still widely used in the automotive and aerospace sectors. With a focus on fabrication and construction and not just design, it was advanced for its time but the cost was prohibitive for many AEC firms.

N majo p acq

Goog -t

The displ much

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06/02/2019 17:57

e 2002 - 2010 >>>

it evit on ase

Grasshopper for Rhino first appeared on the scene in 2007 but in true McNeel fashion it wasn’t released commercially until years later (2014). The generative design and visual programming tool was groundbreaking in terms of its drag and drop UI, which meant it could be used by those with limited programming skills. The fact that it was free also made it very popular with students.

ral to es. It on

MEP

s XP for AD ons ld AM.

With ArchiCAD 13 came BIM Server which used deltas to reduce network traffic. It meant multiple designers could work on the same model at the same time, without having to carve up a project.

Autodesk launched Project Twitch, an experimental technology that delivered its CAD tools over the web.

Digital Cities hit the headlines, paving the way for the convergence of BIM and GIS.

Autodesk bought Navisworks for £25m giving it a lead in 3D coordination, collaboration and sequencing for design and construction.

Graphisoft and Tekla formed a partnership to offer an integrated workflow solution for architecture and structural engineering firms.

The first quad core CPUs were launched, giving a significant boost to rendering and multitasking.

ing ve

s.

2008

2006

5

HP launched the groundbreaking HP Z Workstation, which put serviceability front and centre.

2009

2007

PDF become the de facto standard for 2D drawing distribution almost by mistake but it wasn’t until 2006 that Adobe started to take 3D seriously with the release of Acrobat 3D. Five years later Adobe appeared to withdraw its commitment to the design sector.

Nemetschek acquired a majority in Graphisoft shares, paving the way for a full acquisition of the developer of ArchiCAD in 2007.

Google acquired @Last Software - the developer of SketchUp. The first FHD (1,920 x 1,080) displays were launched, giving a much more detailed view of CAD drawings and models.

www.AECmag.com

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2010

After years of fierce competition, the landmark interoperability agreement between Autodesk and Bentley in 2008 paved the way for much easier data transfer between the products of both firms.

Laser scanning and reality capture in AEC started to go mainstream with native support for point clouds in CAD software plus elemental Scanto-BIM capabilities.

Green building design became big news: Ecotect was acquired by Autodesk, IES gave away a free environmental analysis tool for Revit and SketchUp, while Bentley Systems formed a special group to help firms design build and operate more sustainable buildings.

The Apple iPad is launched paving the way for the widespread use of tablets in the AEC sector.

Autodesk laid the foundations for reality modelling as it licensed Ambercore’s point cloud tech.

Dell and HP launched the first rack workstations offering an alternative to the desktop workstation.

Tekla and Autodesk signed an agreement to become the latest BIM software developers to work on better compatibility between their respective software platforms.

Autodesk launched Revit Server for better team collaboration.

It split the model into a more accessible data structure.

November / December 2018

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17 years of AEC Magazine 2 SketchUp changed hands again.

This time Google sold it to Trimble for $90m, cementing Trimble’s intentions to become a major player in the AEC software market.

It followed the acquisitions of Tekla, StruCad and others.

Trimble acquired the software and consulting arm of Gehry Technologies which added to its growing credibility in AEC. Autodesk ended the option to upgrade its software, offering a subscription only model.

Gehry Technologies launched GTeam, a cloud-based 3D, file management and project collaboration platform that would eventually become Trimble Connect.

Graphisoft launched BIMcloud, a new cloud platform that uses delta-server technology for real-time collaboration on complex BIM models.

Autodesk saw potential for game engines in AEC viz, acquiring Bitsquid whose tech would later be used in Revit Live.

Autodesk targeted small AEC firms with Revit LT. Following the acquisition of Pointools in 2011, Bentley considers points cloud to be a fundamental data type and builds advanced capabilities into its tools.

2011

Mainframe2, later to be re-branded Frame, launched its cloud-based virtual workstations.

2013 2012

In the UK, Graphisoft took a bold step with the release of ArchiCAD START Edition, a fully featured BIM tool for under £1,000.

DJI launched the Phantom 1. Five years later we would start to see the true impact of drones on construction sites.

Dassault Systèmes demonstrated SolidWorks Live Buildings, a new BIM tool based on Catia, but it ultimately came to nothing.

Solid State Drives (SSDs) cemented their place in the modern day workstation as an essential component.

Tekla took on Navisworks with the free collaboration tool Tekla BIMsight.

Cloud-based energy efficiency developer Sefaira launched a realtime analysis plug-in for SketchUp to follow its Revit plug-in.

The UK Government announced plans to mandate the use of BIM on all of its projects by 2016.

Acute 3D, whose software could turn photos into 3D models, was formed.

The tech was adopted by Autodesk and later acquired by Bentley.

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2014

November / December 2018

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Dell released the Precision M3800, a premium mobile workstation that was thinner and lighter than any before.

The first 4K displays were launched. CAD drawings and BIM models had never looked so sharp.

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06/02/2019 17:57

e 2011 - 2019 >>>

ware hry to its C.

Microsoft launched the HoloLens, laying strong foundations for Mixed Reality. Soon after Trimble delivered the first AEC app.

n to ng a l.

The ODA announced the Teigha BIM Kernel for CAD software developers to read and write data in the Autodesk Revit format.

2018 was the year AEC tech firms got serious about construction: Autodesk spent well over $1 billion on PlanGrid, Assemble Systems and BuildingConnected; Trimble spent a similar amount on Viewpoint and e-Builder, while Bentley acquired Synchro to invest in 4D construction modelling.

form ology on

The HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, arrived, opening the floodgates for a raft of Virtual Reality tools for AEC.

BricsCAD took on the might of Autodesk with the launch of a new DWG-based BIM tool.

Nemetschek acquired Solibri, the QA assurance specialist.

The holy grail of rendering appeared to be within reach as Nvidia demoed its RTX real time ray tracing technology.

game ring ater be

Trimble acquired Sefaira for early stage building performance analysis.

Game engine viz took off, with Epic Games launching Unreal Studio and Autodesk teaming up with Unity.

Bentley introduced the concept of the reality mesh as a new fundamental data type for AEC.

d its tions.

2017

2015

2018

2016

Bentley launched its first CONNECT Edition products, laying the foundations for engineering data and applications to be much more dynamic and pervasive.

Bentley bought Acute 3D in March. Six months later it launched ContextCapture, which looks set to play a huge role in reality capture in years to come.

ArchiCAD 19 made even better use of multi-core CPUs, using spare capacity to ‘guess ahead’ and process tasks it ‘thinks’ the users might do next.

The Rhino–Grasshopper– ArchiCAD Connection beta went live, linking early stage design to BIM in real time.

www.AECmag.com

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2019?

In an AEC Magazine exclusive, Autodesk shared details of its next generation BIM technology Project Quantum.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) started to have a real impact in the AEC sector - Autodesk acquired Smartvid.IO which used AI to reduce risk onsite, Nvidia used AI to cut render times and Bentley explored deep learning to classify reality meshes.

Bentley Systems introduced iModel 2.0 and turned change management on its head. The following year it would make it open source.

Autodesk and ESRI joined forces to better align the worlds of BIM and GIS.

What we’re looking forward to in 2019.

Arkio, a collaborative VR-based modelling environment which was previewed at NXT BLD in 2017 (we think it’s going to be way cool).

The advancement of construction technology through robotics, pre-fabrication and 3D printing.

The explosion of AI and deep learning in AEC. Dassault Systèmes, supported by VINCI, finally entering the AEC market properly with its long rumoured construction BIM tool, based on Catia, Varjo’s retina resolution VR headset and seeing if it lives up to the hype.

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The hit parade The most viewed articles on AECmag.com since time began ... well, since the launch of Google Analytics

10 9 Unreal Studio launches plus support for SketchUp 03/18 - The moment Epic Games got serious about design viz as part of a wider strategy to make the popular game engine more accessible to architects and designers. tinyurl.com/AEC10-Epic

BIM libraries come of age 09/14 - As BIM library providers jostled for position, we looked at the challenges faced by manufacturers looking to make their products easier for designers to use by delivering standard BIM objects. tinyurl.com/AEC9-object

4 5

3 30 of the best mobile apps for BIM

Quadro P2000 & P4000 for CAD, viz & VR 02/17 - When we do hardware reviews, we do them in-depth, testing with real world applications. And these pro GPUs got plenty of attention from users of BIM, design viz and VR tools. tinyurl.com/AEC5-Quadro

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01/14 - In just 10 years smartphones and tablets have become ubiquitous in the AEC industry. Even back in 2014 there was a huge array of amazing apps for all kinds of workflows. tinyurl.com/AEC4-apps

From Revit to VR 02/17 - In testing the three apps in this collosal 6,500 word review, we lost ourselves in VR for weeks. But the sharing of our practical, hands-on experiences hit the spot with architects looking to adopt this exciting new tech. tinyurl.com/AEC3-VR

www.AECmag.com

05/02/2019 15:17

8

6 7

The clone wars 08/17 - A precursor to our Nov/Dec 2018 cover story on BricsCAD BIM, we looked at how the DWG clone developers, not content with mirroring AutoCAD’s functionality, were starting to develop true BIM capabilities. tinyurl.com/AEC8-clone

Leica simplifies reality capture with BLK3D Step inside the role of a BIM Manager 01/17 - Mike Turpin, company BIM manager at Capita, shared his thoughts on this ever evolving position, and wondered if we can actually answer the question “what is a BIM Manager?”

06/18 - A surprise entry in our top 10, this preview of Leica’s easy-to-use handheld device for real-time 3D measurement got even more hits than our review of the BLK360 laser scanner. tinyurl.com/AEC6-BLK

tinyurl.com/AEC7-BIM

2 1 Project Quantum: the future of BIM? 02/17 - We’ve had some exclusives in our time but none were as big as this: Autodesk sharing its vision for its next generation of BIM tools. Next month we have another exclusive update. tinyurl.com/AEC2-Quantum

VR for architecture: a beginner’s guide 07/16 - 2016 was the year that Virtual Reality exploded onto the scene and we were right on cue with this in-depth guide. We looked at the use cases in AEC, including how VR can be deployed to aid the design process as well as for design review and collaboration. We also went back to basics on the kit with a run down of Head Mounted Displays (HMDs), GPUs and workstations, plus how to navigate within VR and interact with the scene.

The article was updated in Feb 2017. tinyurl.com/AEC1-VR

www.AECmag.com

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Software

Autodesk BIM 360 Autodesk recently spent over $1 billion acquiring cloud-based construction app developers PlanGrid and BuildingConnected. If you wanted to know where Autodesk was heading in the AEC industry, that pretty much sums up its current development focus, writes Martyn Day.

T

here was a time when Autodesk connect together, hopefully without los- flow and coherently rebranded. It is probwas a one trick pony, with ing too much momentum. ably one of the most advanced Autodesk AutoCAD being the cash cow.

Forge-based service suites.

However, if you were to look at The BIM 360 service BIM 360 offers publishing and viewAutodesk’s stable of products and servic- The origin of BIM 360 was in itself a jour- ing (2D/3D), real-time collaboration for es today, it’s clear that the company’s ney for the company, with its commitment Revit, project coordination, design and diversification and growth, through to the cloud, the development team constructability reviews, project conorganic and non-organic methods, has switched from writing desktop applica- trols, quality and safety management, produced a bumper crop of products, at tions to writing always-on web services, reporting and dashboards, project pervarying stages of maturity. Like all good porting existing desktop capabilities to the missions-based access and possible farmers, Autodesk is now banking on the cloud and then fleshing out the offering future integrations. cloud to grow further. with specific suites of functionality to cater The service will be never ‘complete’ as Since Andrew Anagnost there will always be new took over, Autodesk has capabilities added to BIM refocussed on the digitisa360, as once project data BIM 360 has come a heck of a long way; it has tion of construction, and is hosted in the cloud all having just shelled out grown from a disjointed range of web services to sorts of capabilities and something much more homogenous and robust, integrations are possible. over $1 billion on acquisitions, including the largest As BIM 360 is cloudwith clearly defined roles and functionality in the company’s history, based, obviously it conthere is absolutely no nects a workforce securedoubt that this is where it will focus its to the typical stakeholders in a project. ly through mobile devices. future efforts, offering services to connect The core component was BIM 360 Docs.

There are four subscription offerings the building industry, from design Launched in 2015, it finally addressed which provide a mix of functionality, through construction and into operations.

Autodesk’s document management vacu- geared towards getting specific grouped PlanGrid and BuildingConnected um. Roll forward to 2019 and that suite tasks in the cloud. complement the work that has already looks a lot more compelling than the inibeen done with its BIM 360 portal and tial offering and seems to improve on a BIM 360 Docs services and represent an acceleration in monthly timeline, with enhancements One of the biggest problems in the capability. Autodesk now fields a formi- constantly being added. Docs, Glue, Field, industry is that data has traditionally dable suite of tools. It will be Project IQ, Collaboration for been held in design office silos. Docs is 1 2 Clash detection interesting to see how long these Revit have been integrated with the start point for BIM 360, where all and resolution in BIM 360 Glue acquisitions take to digest and additional viewing tools, work- documents get uploaded for sharing

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January / February 2019 [The 100th Edition]

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www.AECmag.com

06/02/2019 15:58

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Software

amongst selected project teams in one centralised database.

Autodesk obviously supports DWG and Revit, but it also caters to other commonly used data types. No other application is required to view 2D or 3D models and these can be interrogated for pertinent data on the desktop or on site on a mobile phone.

Version control is built in and documents can be compared to find what has changed. Designs can be reviewed, and issues identified and shared quickly between online project teams.

BIM 360 Design

BIM 360 Build

Hosted data

This is all about construction execution and links mobile devices to two-way cloud-based applications such as reporting and snag lists. It supports streamlined inspections and auditing, RFIs and submittals. All these can be gathered together with daily reports and analytics, which can be used to identify project trends and potential problem areas.

While there has historically been a reticence to store project data on the cloud, this concern is slowly ebbing away, especially when one assesses the benefits of collaboration and cloud-based services. Autodesk recognises that many firms want their data hosted within their country, under their laws, and so has a number of points of presence across the globe. The one snag in this is that, for some reason; not all of BIM 360’s functionality is currently available outside of the US servers, with the demo and trial functionality being especially limited. European customers are advised to check the functionality they require against where their data needs to be hosted.

In practice The user interface of BIM 360 is very simple and clear. As each user logs in, he or she will see all the projects that they are currently contributors to, along with icons to specific BIM 360 capabilities pertinent to their subscription. They’re also given a list of tasks that they have been assigned or included in using BIM

Teamworking gets a cloud boost for distributed and multi-discipline teams who use Revit, enabling the management of co-ordiConclusion nated design. The system provides permissions-based group work with granular For Revit users involved in Revit workaccess to capabilities such as flows it’s a no-brainer. view, upload, edit and control However, a one size fits all in per person, along with desigthe whole building lifecycle It will be very interesting to see how nated team workspaces. means that there are other PlanGrid and BuildingConnected interface tech solutions in specific Here the online Forge viewer thins out the complex or are integrated within the current product areas which provide more aggregated Revit model for detail or focussed capabilistack, as there seems to be some overlap quick manipulation and identies. It will be interesting to tification of elements being see how open the API access worked on. It’s possible to identify chang- 360s basic workflow capabilities. Oddly is and what levels of co-opetition occurs es down to an element level and visualise there is no built-in chat or messaging sys- in the busy Common Data Environment modifications, impacts on disciplines etc. tem as we have seen in other software.

(CDE) space.

For many, the benefit of having a cenBIM 360 has come a heck of a long way; BIM 360 Glue tralised, single version of the truth it has had a wandering and sometimes This offers some of the capabilities of would justify BIM 360 in itself but confusing branding, growing from a disNavisworks online with powerful inter- Autodesk’s ever-expanding applications jointed range of web services to something active model sectioning, interrogation clearly provide additional benefits to much more homogenous and robust, with and take offs. Problems like clashes and having BIM data centrally stored. As clearly defined roles and functionality. omissions can be identified, highlighted the army of Forge developers start to It will be very interesting to see how and resolved. However, the clash detec- drop their cloud-based apps then even PlanGrid and BuildingConnected intertion will catch intended ones (railings more capabilities will be possible lever- face or are integrated within the current fixed to a floor) as well as accidental aging this cloud repository. However, product stack, as there seems to be some ones, so this may require a degree of fil- for now firms will probably rely on a overlap. I suspect that much of the focus tering and working through the clashing mix of cloud features, plus some of the will be US-based as Autodesk fights for items. Clicking through the list on the traditional desktop applications which that market. Whatever comes out, we are left hand of the screen autocome in their Suites, like witnessing Autodesk’s biggest play in its 3 BIM 360 design matically zooms the view on Navisworks which has yet to be history. It has literally bet the farm on it. collaboration and the clashing geometry. replicated in full.

■ bim360.autodesk.com 4 measurement tools

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UHD

Bentley Synchro As all the main AEC technology providers double down on their construction offerings, Bentley Systems’ recent acquisition of Synchro demonstrates the company’s commitment to 4D sequencing, scheduling and planning across all of its markets, writes Martyn Day

F

ounded in the UK in 2001, Synchro Software was one of the original innovators in 4D sequencing. By the time Bentley Systems acquired the company in 2018, it had achieved a global presence from the UK to China.

At the time of the purchase, Bentley already owned ConstructSIM, which also had 4D sequencing capabilities. But as that software focused primarily on industrial plants the Synchro acquisition still made complete sense. With a broad footing in diverse areas it would allow Bentley to better address the requirements of those working on building and civil infrastructure projects. Importantly, it also took a much more granular level approach to the management of construction assets.

Bentley now plans to integrate Synchro’s construction modelling into its 32

ProjectWise ‘connected data environment’. It also appears to want to retain the brand and desktop version.

Synchro was born out of a project called mid-city place in London, where Jaguar Land Rover logistics specialists were brought in to help plan and facilitate logistics improvements to reduce costs. The problem was that the consultants realised there just wasn’t the information available within the building industry to drive this logistical support.

At the time there was no planning system and no single source for the 3D spatial data to be co-located, so Synchro was born. Essentially Synchro merges and links the BIM digital twin with project information from a wide variety of disparate sources such as Excel, Primavera, and MS Project, providing feasibility insights, together with schedule valida-

January / February 2019 [The 100th Edition]

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tion tools. The story goes that the Bentley team worked closely with the Synchro developers on the Crossrail project and the synergy led to an acquisition offer.

During the presentations at Bentley’s Year In Infrastructure (YII) event in 2018, a stunning example of the use of the software was given by Nikken Sekkei, on the remodelling of FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou football stadium.

Due to time constraints and no alternative stadium being available, the remodelling work had to be done in between the matches and seasons, so construction teams had to be in and out, while leaving the stadium in a useable condition with everything meeting strict safety criteria.

Synchro was able to give the designers and construction teams a visual display of what work would be on each day. Nikken Sekkei built a digital twin of the stadium www.AECmag.com

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Software

and used the defined timeline to break the and then the superstructure. concrete core and in fact, the project was jobs down to sequence around the game The Pinnacle project completed its abandoned. Apparently, the site has now schedule. This included cranes, steelwork, demolition works one year before the been taken over by new owners and a new planned concrete pours and on-site Shard had finished its. Moving to the next design and a new building is being conmachinery. On the construction site, phase, when it came to working on the structed in its place. A pretty compelling Microsoft Hololens is also being used to substructure, while both projects London-based case study. bring up the model while on site visits and deployed similar techniques and the footused the site cameras to overlay the model prints were essentially the same, the Conclusion phases. They also used machine learning Shard, already a year behind, actually After a quiet period, while Bentley was to predict delays and see ahead. caught up with and overtook the Pinnacle. potentially going for an IPO, the compaTom Dengenis, former CEO of Synchro In only six months the Shard started the ny has come out with a swathe of updates Software and now senior director at super structure build. and has been back to acquiring technoloBentley Systems, highlighted a number of Unfortunately, both builds spanned the gies and industry brands. other capabilities and an interesting 2008 financial crisis. To accelerate the Synchro is undoubtedly a strong move London-based case study. Showing a Shard’s build through the crisis, the engi- into construction management and timelapse generated from a fixed view neering team deployed ‘top down, bottom scheduling and an ideal product with camera of a construction site, Dengenis up’ construction methods. Bishopsgate which to engage with their consulting overlayed the sequenced geometry from had one drilling rig operating at 80% arm. Bentley engages well with asset the digital twin, showing how it is possi- capacity to make the caisson foundations. owners, operators and tier one and tier ble to compare the work done to the Meanwhile the Shard deployed three two contractors and scheduling is sequenced timeline. machines and started building up at the deemed to be a key area for driving Dengenis told the story of improved efficiency. the construction of The challenge will be how The challenge [for Bentley] will be how to get to get more firms to start London’s iconic Shard (72 storeys) and another project using the technology regumore firms to start using the technology called ‘The Pinnacle’ (60 on projects and plan regularly and plan down to the incredible level larly storeys) at 22 Bishopsgate, down to the incredible level of granularity to which Synchro is capable near Liverpool street. Back of granularity to which in 2005, both buildings Synchro is capable. It’s were given planning perhighly visual and could easmission. While everyone knows the histo- same time they built down and used ily be misconstrued as an animation or viz ry of the Shard, not many know of the Synchro to evaluate, refine and analyse tool. But that couldn’t be further from the Pinnacle. Looking at the two project’s the construction sequencing. truth. It allows for particularly detailed timelines you could identify the three The Shard was completed in July 2012. planning and buildings are getting phases of each project’s construction: At the same time the Pinnacle had only increasingly complex. demolition, the creation of substructure managed to complete seven-storeys of its ■ synchroltd.com

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Feature

Artificial Intelligence (AI) frontiers in construction Mariusz Gorczyca, R&D structural engineer at Kingspan, wonders if we are ready for the level of digital ingenuity promised by AI and neural networks

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s part of the Kingspan research team, my passions lie with the development of structural mechanics and how we can further enhance the technological development of the built environment. As a part of my masters thesis I was working on the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in the AEC industry. My research looked at how AI and ML are shaping the way we work, how projects are managed and delivered and most importantly, the question of whether the industry is ready to embrace this level of digital ingenuity.

AI for architects and engineers It’s no secret that public attention on AI has rapidly increased recently, despite the fact that the technology has been slowly developing for the past 70 years.

If we consider that structural mechanics has been developing accurate theoretical models for predicting strain and stresses for the past few decades and that these theoretical models require a fixed set of input parameters such as material properties, boundary conditions etc. to produce results such as deflection, stresses etc. – it comes as no surprise that this is a pretty complex and time-consuming process. Therefore, because of these complexities, experienced engineers are often needed to interpret the results for other parties. This is where AI can support this level of development, by using ready collated data to predict behaviours and streamline research processes.

We can also look at how the iterative nature of architects, engineers and contractors working together with a limited project budget has its complexity. Proven solutions for overcoming project hurdles are generally preferred over innovative and ground-breaking ideas, however such situations could be changed by introducing tools which would offer fast yet accurate predictions of actual results – once again, a job for AI. Models which give fast yet accurate www.AECmag.com

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results are termed Reduced Order Models or Metamodels and can be based on AI methods. Metamodels typically require less input parameters and offer results in shorter time. Some examples of metamodels could include predicting wind loads on complex building geometries [1], estimating remaining structural service life [2] or predicting concrete strength based on mixture ingredients proportions [3].

Introducing such methods will without doubt generate project efficiencies on both time and cost. Whilst still in their early adoption stages, it won’t be long before this becomes a proven preferred solution.

extract and teach the machine manually.

The architecture of an ANN contains neurons organised in a three-layered structure – the three groups of layers are generally named: input layer, hidden layer(s) and output layer.

Neurons are connected between these layers by weights which are unknown at the beginning of the process. Those weights are adjusted in the learning process.

So far in the industry, using ANN, only “exclusive” metamodels have been created. This means that a metamodel built for a specific structure can not be reused for a similar structure or any other altered asset (this limits the practiAI and neural networks cal value of the metamodel).

The most crucial element for However, research by [AI-powered M. Nourbakhsh of the any AI-based solution is the underlying data used for the Institute of solutions] will Georgia process.

Data contains Technology, proposed a set help engineers of 25 parameters describing examples of inputs and outand architects any structural element withputs which can be both collected or generated. What’s in any structure with 1D shift their important, is the data must structural elements. This be representative of the task attention to the approach led to a metamodel in order to create a reliable creative parts which could be applied to a model. Out of several differwide range of different strucof work while tures and thus is “generalisaent types of models, Artificial Neural Networks ble” [4]. The potential of this computers (ANN) have been proven to solution is enormous. Such a complete the metamodel could work as an outperform other models in most cases. intelligent assistant helping remaining Artificial Neural Networks designers make better deciare computing systems mundane parts sions. The assistant could inspired by biological neural run in the background and networks that effectively repprovide near instant feedlicate elements of a living brain and are back on each decision on multiple projects. one of the most commonly used tools in ML as they are designed to replicate the Work environment and data flow way humans learn.

The idea of building “generalisable” metaSuch systems “learn” to perform tasks by models was introduced only recently. considering examples of activity and meas- Therefore, before any practical application uring repeated outputs – they are excellent it needs to be exercised and tested since at finding patterns which are often too nobody in the AEC industry can rely on a complex for a human programmer to black-box mechanism! Thus creating a

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BIM AWARDS 2019 RECOGNISING AND REWARDING OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN BIM The BIM Awards celebrate the innovators and pioneers of digital construction, seeking out and rewarding individuals and organisations who are redefining the construction industry, and showcasing their achievements.

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Feature perfect opportunity and place 1 for my research to start.

The lack of publicly available data meant I had to acquire new data for the purpose of my study. Creating structural models and extracting data manually would have been extremely time consuming and probably impossible within a given time frame. Instead, the required data was generated in a semi-automatic manner with the help of Autodesk Dynamo and its connectivity with other applications. The software use and how I exercised the connectivity between different pieces is shown in figure 1, hence creating a parametric environment.

This new parametric work environment allowed for a highly automated process, for which, in total, 12 different geometries of example structures were created using three unique parametric models, each controlled with a single parameter.

My models contained 3D space frames and 3D space trusses (examples of these structures can be seen in figure 2) with the same boundary conditions assigned to structures of the same type.

The number of structural elements in the models ranged from 250 to 1,600. In total, more than three million members were created, analysed and eventually used in model training. To ensure variability in data, each member was assigned a random cross section before running the structural analysis. With that in mind, you can see that there was literally no chance to generate two models exactly the same.

Training data / building metamodels Once the environment was set up, data generation could begin. It took approximately 48 hours on an average laptop to generate 500MB of data saved in .csv files. Each data point contained a set to 25 input parameters with information about location of the member in space, applied load and supports, cross section characteristics and summarised stiffness of members close to the analysed member.

For each data point one additional feature was saved, namely maximum von Misses stress in the member.

Further work continued outside of Dynamo with a help of the python programming language and available external libraries. These libraries are already well developed and make working on AI solutions easier. It is highly recommended to get an intuition about the data by checking different statistical www.AECmag.com

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Dome

Slab

Wall

2 1 The required data was generated in a semiautomatic manner with the help of Autodesk Dynamo and its connectivity with other applications 2 Examples of the unique 3D space frames and 3D space trusses automatically generated in the parametric work environment

properties at the very beginning.

In order to build a metamodel with help of ANN the data needs to be split into two different sets: training set and testing set. Further ANN models should be defined and trained, here a single hidden layer with 30 neurons was used.

After which the model can then be tested with “unseen” data from a saved test set.

Predicting stresses with AI One of the tests we carried out verified that metamodels can be used to predict results of “unseen” structures but within the same class of structures (dome, slab, wall, etc.).

This means, for structures in two classes high quality predictions were achieved showing the R2 score as high as 0.75 (where the maximum is 1.00). On the average, predicted stresses in members varied by 10% to 20% from true values.

For one class, where less complete structures were included in the training data set, predictions were arbitrarily wrong. It

demonstrates how the quality of data is important for AI-based solutions.

Another test checked if a single metamodel combining knowledge from 12 various structures can predict results of “unseen” structures. The result showed that the amount of generated data was not sufficient for the model training and the ANN algorithm was not able to recognise patterns in the training data. It shows the importance of the data quantity against model generalisability. This means that a metamodel for general application would need a data set bigger than available to any individual but can be generated in a cumulative effort of the industry.

The application of AI in the field of structural engineering brings as many opportunities as challenges. Civil responsibility of engineers sizing structural systems requires accuracy and confidence much higher than it was achieved with metamodels in this work. At the same time results predicted with metamodels give a good indication of structural performance which otherwise would need to be consulted with a structural engineer.

This is but one element of my research, intended to show benefits from AI-powered solutions in the hands of engineers and architects. The above demonstrates a potential for a new generation of engineering tools which will help work smarter and more efficiently.

It will help engineers and architects shift their attention to the creative parts of work while computers complete the remaining mundane parts.

Mariusz’s research is the basis of his talk at BIM Show Live 2019, on Thursday 28 February; Application of artificial neural networks in static structural analysis where further examples will be shown on how AI and ANN are effective solutions for providing efficiencies on construction projects from the initial concept stages, and enabling soft landings.

■ bimshowlive.co.uk

References [1] S. Wilkinson, Approximating Computational Fluid Dynamics for Generative Design, University College London, 2015 [2] W.Z. Taffese, E. Sistonen, Machine learning for durability and service-life assessment of reinforced concrete structures: Recent advances and future directions, Automation in Construction, 77/2017 [3] M. Słonski, A comparison of model selection methods for compressive strength prediction of high-performance concrete using neural networks, Computer and Structures, 88/2010 [4] M. Nourbakhsh, Generalizable surrogate models for the improved early stage exploration of structural design alternatives in building construction Georgia Institute of Technology, 2016

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Hypar.io With the advent of machine learning and Artificial Intelligence, computers are on the cusp of actually playing a more active role in assisting the building industry, especially helping the early conceptual development process.

Martyn Day looks at an ingenious cloud-based service

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ne of the comedy moments one can use to help solve problems. data sets of today’s BIM tools and opercan always look forward to in At Autodesk, Hauck and Keough were ates with a data model that supports IFC films set in the Star Wars galaxy involved with the Labs development, definition, so is BIM platform indepenis the droid who feels predis- Project Fractal, a tool which worked dent. It’s also a place where algorithms posed to always calculate and verbalise the alongside Dynamo to generate multiple could be shared or sold by a community probabilities of success, just at the time the design options for customers’ own of tool developers and they are looking to main characters are about to do something design logic (now migrated to Autodesk harness shared libraries and the growing extremely risky, like navigate an asteroid Project Refinery). number of open source resources. So, field. While these doom-laden forecasts of Typical uses for this were in space together with Hypar’s own suite of evolvfailure are always dutifully ignored on design and building layout, optimising ing tools, over time it will become a cenfilm, I can’t help but imagine how useful it room organisation and placement, creat- tral resource for access to generative tools. would be to have computational assistance ing multiple options, all meeting the While there is a lot of focus on programin complex decision making within a work core specification. ming and algorithm development, as environment. In building design, there The seeds of Hypar seem to start here. Hypar fleshes out and more tools become might not be a princess to rescue, but when As veterans, Hauck and Keough could see available for it, or indeed a firm decides to planning site development, building layout that many firms were developing their own create its own applications, it also proand complex ducting, it might be helpful to software solutions to solve complex com- vides an environment where non-proknow that the placement of gramming designers can your exhaust ports has explore design variations, introduced a womp rat sized simply by clicking ‘more’.

In building design, there might not be a vulnerability.

Hypar is aimed at both the princess to rescue, but it might be helpful to While it’s still formative tool designer and the tool know that the placement of your exhaust ports user and the results can days for C3PO style realtime interjections, tools are has introduced a womp rat sized vulnerability flow on to drive other prostarting to become available cesses through commonly where multiple design iteraused formats and scripts. tions can be created, with each having met putational problems and there were few The team is currently exploring the the original codified design criteria. standard platforms, leading to a lot of rein- Autodesk Forge Revit Design Automation Commonly called ‘optioneering’ it’s a vention. While the visual programming API to connect Hypar to Revit for detail branch of computer generative design tools of Dynamo and Grasshopper have workflows. In the site design example which has much to offer early phase “what grown in usage, they do require base appli- given to AEC Magazine, Hypar can be used if’ scenarios by testing to see what is possi- cations to run; Hypar is self-contained. to select a building parcel from a map, a ble given a set of variables.

Hypar.io is a web-based cloud platform tower design is selected from a design iterand API which executes users’ code, in ation and the design for that parcel is genHypar drive Python and C#, to quickly create tens, erated in that area, to the given height, Started in 2018, Hypar.io is headed up by hundreds or thousands of designs based floors etc. This is then seamlessly imported two industry veterans, Anthony Hauck, on design logic. These models can be pre- into Revit, with all the floors and structurwho was in charge of Revit product viewed in 3D together with analytical al framing. Currently in prototype, this development and more recently headed data created with those designs on a will be an exceptionally popular capability. the development of generative design at desktop or mobile. The system is optiDemos of Hypar.io in action can be seen Autodesk, and Ian Keough who is proba- mised to produce results quickly, within on YouTube (tinyurl.com/hypar). Examples bly better known as ‘the father of the snap of your fingers. include exploring mixed use tower develDynamo’, the visual programming interWith Hypar they have produced a flexi- opment, tower placement on a site, creface - also an ex-Autodesk employee. Both ble platform, accessed from anywhere ation of various tower designs, floor have played key roles in developing pro- through the web. It offers a common user plans, establishing shortest duct routing grammatic design tools which architects interface, which is free from the heavy and retail store layouts.

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The geometric results are fairly basic, but at a concept stage it’s all about finding the best option and then developing that in more detail, while safe in the knowledge that the design meets the brief it has been tested against. As we were going to press, Hypar has a new office design layout in the works, together with starting new work on generative formwork from arbitrary walls.

Conclusion The pricing model appears to be evolving, with the potential for tool developers to charge for the use of their algorithms, or a subscription for more complex users, with access to suites of tools.

So, it may be reassuring to know that we don’t yet have droid architects who can replace you completely. It’s also good that your BIM workstation isn’t going to tell you the chances of your building meeting the client’s expectations is approximately 3,720 to 1, as you are about to go into a meeting.

But there are tools that are willing to help improve the quality of the design and take some of the grunt work out of exploring the multitude of options that fulfil the brief.

To participate in this brave new world, it does require knowledge of programming to create an algorithm and a mindset which can define the variables within the potential design. However, over time, the Hypar.io community will grow and there will be more algorithms contributed to the pool, so it could be a useful resource or firms could develop ‘tool makers’ to create programs to assist in the creation of project-specific optioneering Hypar tools.

What may seem like quite a geeky and abstract development at the moment, it’s really is an exciting environment for the current generation of programming-savvy designers to rapidly ideate with computer assistance. In Hypar space, these are the droids that you are looking for.

■ hypar.io

www.AECmag.com

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1 2 For site design, Hypar can automatically generate a range of options for a given spec and land parcel, then seamlessly import the chosen design into Revit 3 Hypar has its own suite of evolving tools, but third-party algorithms can also be shared or sold in the community

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Opinion

ISO 19650: going global In the first of a two part article on ISO 19650, Rebecca De Cicco explores the realities of applying the new International BIM standard across the globe

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uch research has been undertaken to support the way in which BIM adoption across the globe is being addressed in differing countries. There are a variety of different approaches.

Some initiatives are heavily driven in the private sector (for the USA and Australia for example) and others via policy (such as UK, Europe and Asia).

As a result of the advanced level of BIM adoption in the UK, it was only logical that the development of an international standard was created to support consistency across industry on a global scale.

Therefore, we’ve all waited in anticipation on the UK releasing an international standard, and it’s finally here: ISO 196501 and 2.

For us and other organisations who work across multiple regions of the world, central support for a consistent framework for delivery, management and execution of BIM was something we so desperately craved.

Which is why December 2018 was a very exciting month for us and the global BIM community when the International Standard Organisation (ISO) released two important documents: ISO 19650-1: First Edition 2018-12 Organisation and digitisation of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including BIM — information management using building information modelling — Part 1: Concepts and principles.

ISO 19650-2: First Edition 2018-12 Organisation and digitisation of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including BIM — information management using building information modelling — Part 2: Delivery phase of the assets.

Transition from PAS 1192-2 As the first edition of ISO 19650-2 was heavily aligned to the main clauses embedded in BS 1192 and PAS 1192-2 there has been much excitement surrounding the release of this specific document. www.AECmag.com

p41_AEC_JANFEB19_ISO.indd 41

Globally, this will alleviate some of the issues that the construction industry faces when it comes to language, terminology and process. We see a variety of challenges with differing methods being implemented in regions such as the US, Asia and Australia / New Zealand and it is exciting for us, now that we can consolidate our message to be internationally aligned.

As the ISO is heavily based on both the concepts and principles as well as the main clauses of the UK BIM Standards, those who have been working with these processes will already be ahead of the game.

this our curriculum fully supports the methodologies and language of the ISO standards which have been released.

Discussing these standards with companies which have a global reach is crucial as they tend to drive the smaller players.

Working across the US and Australia, more recently we have seen the benefits of applying the methodologies and process of ISO as a conceptual framework.

Although we have yet to see the benefits this has provided, we know that this could mean much less wasted time and effort on a large scale for industry across the world.

We now know that the release of ISO 19650 shows great promise for global consistency when it comes to BIM. Much What happens when we see the UK work has already been done to enable the Regional Annexe and no other release of this standard and there are Regional Annexes? obviously great benefits and risks which Early 2019 will see the release of the UK we’ll need to address as an industry in this National Annexe as coming year. And it well as the is imperative that Transitional Guidance we encourage those to support how induswho are looking to Rebecca De try will transition PAS 1192-2 in other Cicco is the from the use of the regions outside the director and founder of current 1192 series to UK to understand Digital Node, a the use of both the 1192 how the ISO will BIM-based conseries still out there impact them. sultancy workand the ISO. We await As an industry, ing with clients in anticipation as one of our biggest all over the these documents will challenges is tryworld to educate, manage and support the implementation of a clearly defined procertainly support the ing to be globally cess, underpinned by technology. way in which we apply consistent. the ISO when already Although there are using the concepts of huge challenges and principles of the 1192 documentation. such as cultural diversity and historical As well as the above supporting docu- impact, there are still ways in which we mentation we’ll see ISO develop ISO can achieve some form of unity when it 19650-3 and 5, both supporting the BIM comes to BIM. ISO 19650-1 and 2 will methodology, and both being driven by help us to achieve this and I look forward the existing PAS documents, PAS 1192-2 to the future where we all start to discuss and 5. This again is an exciting space for our projects in a universally standardthe UK BIM industry as we’ve already ised language. applied these principles to our projects so will be one step ahead.

Rebecca De Cicco will be discussing the importance of the new ISO 19650 standards in more What this means to the detail at BIM Show Live 2019 on Wednesday global application of BIM? 27 February in Newcastle’s Boiler Shop in her When working with clients, both in gov- seminar: A global BIM solution? The realities ernment and industry, we always push of the application of ISO 19650. our drive toward being global and with ■ digital-node.com

About the author

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workstation special report

Nobody ever thinks their workstation is too fast – it can always go quicker.

Speed is usually addressed with bigger processors, but developers are now looking at smarter ways to harness the power inside, writes Greg Corke For years, BIM and design visualisation hardware. We hope to see BIM software software has relied on a brute force developers follow suit. approach to boosting performance.

While this is a case of taking good If you want renders back quicker advantage of modern APIs, other software or models to move more smoothly developers are exploring new ways to get in the viewport, simply throw more more out of a workstation’s GPU. In 2017, processing power at the problem.

Ansys shook up the world of simulation And why not? In many cases it works software with Ansys Discovery Live, a extremely well. You only have to see new tool that promised ‘instantaneous what AMD’s 32-core Threadripper CPU simulation results’ by accepting a small can do for render times (tinyurl.com/ but manageable trade-off in accuracy. aec-threadripper) to know there’s plenty Importantly, it used the GPU in a different of mileage in this ‘bigger equals better’ way to other simulation tools. Instead approach. of focusing on absolute precision, the But it doesn’t always work. Take, for development team asked the question example, the long-standing issue of poor ‘what would be good enough for design 3D performance when working with exploration?’, and harnessed the power of large models in mature CAD and BIM the GPU accordingly. software: no matter how powerful Project Lavina from Chaos Group delivers real-time your workstation’s GPU is, frame ray tracing on the new Nvidia Quadro RTX GPUs rates will simply not go up. Much of this is down to the fact that the code is old and simply not designed to take advantage of modern GPU hardware.

Rather than tackle the issue head on, many CAD software developers have chosen to simplify the way models are represented in the viewport. But things are now changing. The new beta graphics engine in SolidWorks 2019 allows users to Similar developments are happening move huge 3D models smoothly without in design visualisation. Nvidia has built compromising visual quality. It works by ‘AI denoising’ into its Optix ray tracing putting the GPU centre stage. engine. So instead of having to wait for For years, the GPU took a supporting the GPU to compute thousands of passes, role when it came to 3D graphics. it conducts a few passes and then uses When modern CAD software was first deep learning to remove the noise. It developed, the GPU didn’t have the power essentially gives a best guess as to what a to take on so much responsibility, nor did fully resolved image would look like. This the graphics APIs exist to allow it to do so. technology has already been implemented With the new OpenGL 4.5 graphics in Chaos Group’s V-Ray NEXT. engine in SolidWorks 2019, assemblies Nvidia is now taking ray trace rendering that previously only used 5% to 10% one step further by actually changing the of the GPU’s processing resources are architecture of its GPUs. AI denoising now maxing out high-end graphics in V-Ray NEXT works on most modern cards. The performance increase is quite Nvidia GPUs, but the new Nvidia RTX phenomenal, breathing new life into old graphics cards are specifically architected

for ray trace rendering. They include three different types of processing cores – RT cores for ray tracing, Tensor cores for deep learning and CUDA cores for shading.

Together with software specifically written to take advantage, RTX promises to massively reduce the time it takes to deliver ray traced images. Indeed, Chaos Group has demonstrated this happening in ‘real time’ in Project Lavina. We hope to see commercial applications appear in 2019.

Of course, we can’t expect things to change overnight. It took DS SolidWorks two years to develop its new graphics engine using an API that works with most graphics cards six years old or less. Nvidia RTX demands a change in both software and hardware.

Big transformations like this often need to happen for our industry to truly advance, but the challenges Nvidia faces with RTX adoption are nothing like those of CPU manufacturers looking to introduce revolutionary new technology.

For years, we’ve stored information in bits – either a 1 or a 0 – but quantum computing introduces the notion of qubits, which can represent both 1 and 0 at the same time. By offering multiple states inside the CPU, the technology promises to deliver computers that are thousands of times faster than those currently available and we expect exciting applications for simulation in particular.

While IBM has just unveiled its Q System One, the first commercial quantum computer, to much fanfare, don’t go holding off on your workstation purchase quite yet. A shift in CPU architectures will likely take decades and there’s still plenty of life in the x86 architecture. All eyes are already on Intel’s monster 28-core Xeon CPU, which is due to launch soon, and there’s also AMD’s 64-core Epyc to come.

www.AECmag.com

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Matching workstations to real-world workflows

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January / February 2019

V-RAY NEXT FOR 3DS MAX IMAGE COURTESY OF CHAOS GROUP

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n general, most operations in CAD and BIM tools are singlethreaded, which means they run on a single CPU core. As a result, it is important to prioritise frequency (GHz) over the numher of cores. Some operations are multi-threaded, so they can take advantage of multiple cores in certain areas.

To find out which, check out tinyurl.com/revit-MC for Autodesk Revit and tinyurl.com/archicad-MC for Graphisoft ArchiCAD. Just because an operation is multithreaded it doesn’t mean it will run faster on a CPU with lots of cores. A quad-core or six-core processor should serve you well. Unless you’re using a ray trace renderer extensively (see right), there is little point in buying a CPU with more than 8 cores.

We’d recommend the Intel Core i7-8700K (six cores, 12 threads) (3.70 GHz, 4.70 GHz Turbo). The Intel Core i7-9700K (eight cores, 16 threads) (3.60 GHz, 4.90 GHz Turbo) has a slightly higher spec for virtually the same price, but is only currently available from specialist manufacturers. The Intel Core i5-9600K (3.70GHz, 4.60GHz Turbo) is a good budget choice. However, as it has six cores and six threads, you’ll lose a little bit of performance when rendering.

Intel Xeon E-2000 CPUs are another option, but it’s important to note that any Xeon models with six cores or more require the special Windows 10 Pro for Workstation (4 Cores Plus) OS, which costs over £100 more than standard Windows 10 Pro. The 3D graphics requirements for BIM are quite moderate as most software is CPU-limited. As long as your GPU has a certain level of processing power, 3D performance will then be dictated

by CPU frequency. In such cases, a high-end GPU is pointless, as most of its resources will not be used. We’d recommend the Nvidia Quadro P1000 or AMD Radeon Pro WX 4100.

For memory, use a minimum of 16GB DDR4 RAM, although 32GB should give you some headroom for the future.

For storage, NVMe SSDs are ideal and are now relatively cheap, although don’t feel you have to buy an expensive 2TB SSD to store your BIM data. A combination of 256GB or 512GB SSD and a 2TB HDD will serve you perfectly well.

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or a CPU renderer like V-Ray or KeyShot or any of those built into BIM tools, more cores will generally deliver renders much quicker. But don’t forget about frequency (GHz), which is essential for general system performance as it is for applications and 3D graphics.

Historically, design viz folks have had to strike a balance between cores and GHz. As the number of cores increases, GHz generally goes down. But now they really can have their cake and eat it too. And, for the first time in years, AMD is giving Intel a serious run for its money.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX, for example, is a 32core, 64-thread monster with a base frequency of 3.0GHz and a Turbo of 4.2GHz. It’s phenomenally fast at ray trace rendering, but it also plays nicely with BIM and CAD (and with your wallet as it only costs £1,333 Ex VAT). Unfortunately, Threadripper is only available in workstations from specialist manufacturers.

AMD might currently have the performance crown for rendering on a single CPU, but Intel is fighting back. The Intel Xeon W-3175X, due to ship any day now, boasts 28 cores, 56 threads, a base frequency of 3.1GHz and a Turbo of 4.3GHz. On paper, it should offer better performance than Threadripper, but it’ll cost significantly more (Intel has just set it at $2,999).

For those on tighter budgets, AMD and Intel also offer several cheaper models with fewer cores. Check out the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X (16 cores, 32 threads, 3.50GHz, 4.40GHz Turbo) and Intel Core i9-7940X (14 cores, 28 threads, 3.1GHz, 4.3GHz Turbo).

With such great price/performance on offer from single CPU workstations, the role of the dual Xeon has been somewhat diminished, but a pair of 18-core Intel Xeon Gold 6154 CPUs should still give the best rendering performance.

For memory, choose a minimum of 32GB, but 64GB or more will be needed for large datasets. For storage, NVMe SSDs are a given, but consider the Intel Optane SSD 905P for really demanding I/O. Graphics should be matched to your 3D workflows, whether that’s 3D CAD, real-time viz or VR – see other sections. www.AECmag.com

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A workstation for CAD or BIM is very different to one tuned for realtime visualisation or VR. Greg Corke looks at some of the key workflows in AEC and what you should look out for when specifying a machine

www.AECmag.com

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IMAGE COURTESY OF ENSCAPE

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PU rendering in the AEC sector is still relatively niche but the applications are growing. Examples include V-Ray NEXT GPU and Radeon ProRender.

Most GPU renderers use Nvidia CUDA, so only run on Nvidia GPUs. Others use OpenCL, so run on AMD or Nvidia.

GPU renderers need a GPU with lots of cores and memory.

8GB is really a minimum, with 16GB, 32GB, or even more needed for complex datasets.

Generally speaking, with Nvidia GPUs, if you run out of GPU memory, the scene will not render. AMD ‘Vega’ GPUs give you some headroom by allowing GPU memory to spill over into system memory. CPU renderers don’t have the same memory challenges, as you can simply add more to your workstation.

AMD GPUs are good at multitasking (i.e. 3D graphics and rendering at the same time); Nvidia GPUs less so.

GPU renderers can make use of multiple GPUs. This is a big benefit over CPU rendering, as it’s easy to add more processing power to your workstation. However, your machine will need spare PCIe slots and a high-wattage power supply.

Using multiple GPUs does not generally increase the amount of GPU memory that can be used by the renderer. However, with Nvidia NVlink technology, you can double the memory by effectively turning two GPUs into one. NVlink is only supported with high-end Quadro GPUs. You don’t need a professional GPU to use a GPU renderer, so some users choose a consumer GPU instead. You get significantly more for your money, but consumer GPUs generally have less memory and are usually not certified for pro applications like CAD. You can’t mix consumer and professional GPUs in the same workstation.

Nvidia has built ‘AI denoising’ into its ray tracing engine, which can dramatically cut render times, giving GPUs a potentially big advantage over CPUs. AMD is doing similar.

Nvidia is betting big on rendering, promising ‘real-time’ ray tracing with its new Quadro RTX GPUs, which feature dedicated cores for ray tracing and deep learning.

Real-time viz / VR

RADEON PRORENDER IMAGE COURTESY OF AMD

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he graphics requirements for real-time viz are much higher than they are for CAD and BIM. With an emphasis on realism and silky smooth frame rates (30FPS+), you need a high-end GPU to do it justice.

Most real-time viz and VR tools used in the AEC sector are based on game engines, so will work just as well with consumer GPUs (Nvidia GeForce and AMD Radeon) as they will with professional GPUs (Nvidia Quadro and AMD Radeon Pro).

Consumer GPUs give you significantly more for your money and are often preferred by viz artists. However, they are not certified for use with most professional applications, so those who use viz or VR tools alongside an application like Revit may prefer a professional GPU and the confidence it might give in terms of stability, performance and display accuracy.

On the professional front, a good starting point is the Quadro P4000, but most viz workflows will demand a significantly more powerful GPU, especially on 4K displays. Some applications will benefit from multiple GPUs. VR has even bigger demands. It requires around eight times more graphics processing power than is needed to view the same scene on a FHD (1,920 x 1,080) display. This is because head mounted displays (HMDs) need to render both eyes at very high frame rates (90FPS) for a comfortable VR experience.

For viewing simple models in an application like Iris VR Prospect, a Quadro P4000 should do a good job. But, for larger models and for applications like Enscape that place an emphasis on visual quality, you’ll need a Quadro P5000 or above or one of the new Quadro RTX GPUs. The most important thing to understand about VR is that if you don’t correctly match your GPU to your workflow, it will simply not work. This is different to viewing a 3D model on a desktop, where slow frame rates will just give a sub-optimal experience.

In terms of the workstation, for both real-time viz and VR, you’ll need a high frequency CPU – the Intel Core i5-9600K or Core i7-8700K are good starting points. You’ll also need lots of memory (32GB+) and a fast NVMe SSD. January / February 2019

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Workstations as a service: embracing the cloud

Scan is well-known in the UK for its powerful desktop workstations. Now, the Bolton-based firm has expanded its portfolio, teaming up with ebb3 to offer a virtual cloud workstation, which gives users the flexibility to access demanding 3D applications from anywhere, on any device, writes Greg Corke.

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hen graphics virtualisation “The [personal] workstation is still to give on-site teams access to complex arrived on the scene in there, it’s not going away,” says Paul Coyle, 3D models in Fuzor, a highly visual 2013, some predicted business development manager, Scan. Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) the death of the personal “But an increasing number of clients are software tool. workstation. The reality is, despite the keen to have hybrid models in place where Instead of using powerful mobile huge benefits of putting workstations they get the best of both worlds and that’s workstations, which are heavy, expensive in a datacentre - keeping data secure, where this platform comes into its own.” and fragile, construction teams can keeping data in sync, and allowing 3D navigate huge 3D Fuzor models on applications to be accessed from anywhere, Home and away a consumer tablet using an Xbox on any device - sales of mobile and desktop The Architecture, Engineering and game controller. workstation have actually grown. Last year, Construction (AEC) industry is currently All of the graphics processing is done for example, specialist UK on the Scan 3XS Cloud manufacturer Scan grew Workstation in Scan’s [Wilmott Dixon] wanted something that’s its physical workstation datacentre in Manchester sales by over 20%. completely destroyable on the construction site, and only the pixels are But Scan is not putting streamed live to the something that people won’t steal, but enables all of its eggs in one tablet. Even with the them to access significantly large amounts of basket.

The Boltontablet connected to the based firm recently compute resource to run these huge 3D models Internet over the mobile teamed up with graphics 4G network, ebb3 says virtualisation specialist latency is not a problem, ebb3 to offer a Citrix and Cisco-based in a state of transition. As BIM continues with the screen display updating cloud workstation platform alongside its to grow, so does the challenge of pushing “instantly” when the buttons on the desktop and mobile workstation offerings. out the latest revisions of complex 3D controller are pressed.

The idea behind the Scan 3XS Cloud models to design and construction teams ebb3 co-founder Andy Bowker explains Workstation is that customers can wherever they may be. how Wilmott Dixon benefits from this augment, rather than replace, their Leading UK construction firm Wilmott combination of enterprise grade cloud personal workstations, in areas or Dixon is tackling this challenge head workstation and consumer hardware workflows that make most sense. on using Scan 3XS Cloud Workstations on site. “They wanted something

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Dataset challenges Cloud workstations can also help firms overcome the challenges faced by distributed teams who work with increasingly large CAD, viz and point cloud datasets. Bowker believes moving data is not always feasible over the internet.

“If I’ve got an expert in the States and I’ve January / February 2019

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et

In the last few years the AEC sector has seen rapid growth in architect friendly viz software. This includes real time tools like Enscape, Twinmotion and Lumion, as well as ray trace renderers like V-Ray for Revit, SketchUp and Rhino.

All of these applications have much bigger hardware demands than your average BIM tool so the big challenge for AEC firms is how to give designers the power they need to work effectively. Highend workstations are expensive and can be hard to justify when powerful GPUs and multi-core CPUs will often sit idle when an application like Revit is being used for bread and butter design work.

Cloud workstations can solve this challenge by giving architects and engineers access to the power they need, on demand. They can use a local workstation for 3D CAD and BIM, then move to the cloud for more demanding workflows.

One workflow that has previously been considered off limits for cloud workstations is virtual reality (VR).

With VR, low latency is essential for a convincing experience that also doesn’t make you feel sick, so adding a round trip from the VR headset to the datacenter and back was deemed a step too far. But ebb3 is confident it has solved this challenge with a bespoke software solution and fast wireless communication. Its prototype system simply requires the user to wear a small computer on a belt.

The big benefits of taking VR to the cloud are collaboration, scalability and on-demand access. ebb3 is testing its system with Nvidia Holodeck to allow geographically dispersed teams to work together on a single project at the same time.

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Ramping up power

Virtual Reality (VR)

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resource says, ‘I can’t get in this morning because I have an emergency, something I need to sort out, but I’ll log in at lunchtime and get on with my job,’ you shorten the risk on deadlines,” he adds.

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that’s completely destroyable on the construction site, something that people won’t steal, but enables them to access significantly large amounts of compute resource to run these huge 3D models.”

Quantity surveyors can also profit from cloud workstations, explains Bowker, “They don’t want to lug around big machines. They can continue with their Apples or whatever device they choose and then just access the [cloud] resource for the 3D part of the QS tool remotely.”

Cloud workstations are not limited to on-site use with tablets. In an office environment the ‘endpoint’ can also be a standard laptop, desktop PC, thin client, zero client, or even a £35 Raspberry Pi. Users can even plug in a SpaceMouse for precise control in 3D CAD and BIM applications.

Instead of being tied to a desk in the office, engineers and architects can also access cloud workstations from home.

By offering flexible working, Bowker believes the technology can not only help firms attract the best talent but get more out of them.

“If that resource is expensive and that

workstation special report

got something I need advice on, do I send 4Projects, NBS Toolkit, whichever one be tuned for any workflow, on demand. all my 3D scans, models and everything on you want to do, and we can plug into For example, one can scale up the virtual a hard drive to the US, or do I put the chap it because that really is a true central GPU when using game engine viz or the or lady on an aeroplane and bring them place. And because it’s a multi-tenant number of virtual CPU cores when using to the UK? It’s a week whichever way you system it enables all the collaborators in a ray trace renderer. Conversely, one can look at it and it’s expensive whichever way the Level 2 BIM process to have a single scale down both CPU and GPU when you look at it. In construction they call it fee place to log into. We can share the data but using 2D CAD. burn. Even localised in the UK, fee burn is give them private environments in that As one of 25 Nvidia Virtual GPU something that happens all the time. whole space.”

Community Advisors, ebb3 co-founder “People are missing deadlines and they and head of platform development, Ben are having to put a new process into to deal Project tools Jones, has very good knowledge of key with this big data challenge,” he says.

Instant access to 3D data is essential, but 3D applications and how much cloud It’s not just the size of the data that can cloud workstations can also help ensure workstation resources each one needs. cause problems, he adds. “I know lots users are equipped with the precise tools “Four years of experience now has left us of organisations now that have version needed for any given project. This isn’t with a pretty good understanding of what control meetings on a Friday, just to make simply about applications, but specific Revit will use, what V-Ray will use or what sure that everybody is on the same page.” versions of those applications.

Fuzor will use. It’s a mixture of CPU, RAM Working with and GPU,” says Jones. distributed teams is an “Bigger buildings take essential part of modern People are missing deadlines and they are having more frame buffer,” he construction projects, “You might not need to put a new process into to deal with this big data adds. but Bowker is critical of a lot of GPU, but you need challenge. I know lots of organisations now that a lot more frame buffer to the way common data have version control meetings on a Friday, just to load it into.” environments (CDE) are typically set up, where Scan offers a trial make sure that everybody is on the same page huge files are pulled period for users wishing down from the cloud to to try out its cloud be worked on locally.

“When you populate it [the cloud workstation platform. Even at this early “How can a CDE be a cloud-based workstation] you can build mission stage, customers are given plenty of resource when you’ve got files that are specific environments on a per user basis. guidance to make sure they have a good two terrabytes [in size]?” he says. “What’s So, let’s say you’re an architect’s practice experience, as Jones explains, “We ask you happening in the industry, quite a lot at the and you’ve got twenty jobs on. You could what you are going to do with it and then moment, is they’ve got very fragmented have each job loaded up as its own virtual we try and find the most suitable one for data stores, so where the common data environment with its own set of tools, you to test. environment was supposed to be in one because one of the big challenges in “We would give you, for example, a place, it’s not happening. industry at the moment is that project is base level profile. I’d have a look at the “So, we said to Scan, let’s build one place. [CAD software version] 2013, that’s 2014, application and its requirements, I’d Let’s make it a place where people can run that’s 2017. Try installing that on one allocate a specific level of performance, whatever application they want. Let’s make machine, you’d go nuts. You know, there’s let you log on and I’d monitor the it a place where you can run your own a point where one breaks the other.” performance on the fly. common data environment application.

“We’ll look at what you’re doing with it, “Some of the construction companies Scalability we’ll look at connection latency, all of the are going to love that, because you One of the big promises of cloud is utilisation of the hardware.” can have Asite on there, you can have scalability and virtual workstations can In doing this, ebb3 is able to assess if

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Cloud workstation alternatives Belgian startup Cloudalize has lots of experience in the AEC sector with products like Revit and ArchiCAD. It offers customers a ‘pay-per-use’ or an ‘unlimited-usage’ subscription model and a big choice of cloud workstations.

Cloudalize says customers can set up a new cloud workstation in under three minutes through the selfservice portal. The workstation can be launched with either a web browser or in the industry standard Citrix receiver application.

The company recently opened a datacentre in New York to better support its Americas region customers.

Prices start at €9.99 per month plus pay per use.

■ cloudalize.com

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We first wrote about Frame in 2014 when it still went under the retro brand of Mainframe2. Since then it’s not only the name that’s changed; the start up was acquired by cloud computing firm Nutanix in 2018.

The beauty of Frame is its simplicity. Users can get up and running in a matter of minutes. Prices start at $30 per named user per month and you only get billed for the hours you use. There’s a variety of Frame systems to rent with different levels of CPU, GPU and memory.

Frame was born in the cloud and runs on Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS so has great global coverage.

New customers get a free two hour test drive.

■ fra.me

IMSCAD Global, the company behind the IMS Cloud, has a vast experience in graphical-based VDI with over 700 deployments globally. The UK firm has featured in AEC Magazine extensively over the years.

Based on its knowledge of BIM tools and of deploying virtualisation based private clouds for its architectural and engineering clients, IMS says it can offer a bespoke cloud solution with a ‘unique’ services wrap, from initial consulting through to deployment and support.

IMS Cloud offers a ‘try before you buy’ demo that will ‘mimic exactly’ what customer will experience in full production. Desktops start at £19.99 per month.

■ theimscloud.com

www.AECmag.com

01/02/2019 10:12

workstation special report

customers are using too many or too few resources. “We’ll let you know, and you can either scale up or down so you’re not paying too much,” says Jones. “We do that for everyone, that’s part of the service.

“I’ve lost track of the amount of times when I’m looking at resources and all of a sudden, the GPU is doing nothing, and the CPU is pinned at 100% for long periods of time. I’ll speak to the customer and say, ‘Look, I’m seeing this kind of utilisation’ and ask what they’re doing with the application. It’s a case of understanding what they are trying to do to make sure they get the best out of their investment.”

Jones is keen to point out that ebb3 and Scan are different from larger cloud workstation providers, “We’re not an Azure or Google Cloud or an AWS where you literally buy what you want and then you’re on your own. We actually have the support service that goes with what the customer is doing,” he says.

“Most of the time when you buy a [personal] workstation they [the customers] don’t know why they are buying a workstation. They buy it because it’s a spec and they’ve been given it. They don’t understand how it’s actually used, whereas we do. Because this is all we do.

We just do GPU-orientated stuff.”

Users are also given the flexibility to change the specification of the cloud workstation instance mid workflow. For example, an architect who is modelling in Revit on a CAD-focused instance with, say, four CPU cores, might suddenly need more virtual CPU cores to quickly render a scene in V-Ray for Revit.

“I went to see a client who modelled a million chairs on a batch job – and it brought the system to its knees. He then looked at me with a smile,” says Bowker.

“I made one phone call and said ‘Give him everything’. I then said, ‘Right, go and model your million chairs now’ and he did it. It can handle really massive workloads.”

At the moment, only ebb3 can make dynamic changes like this, but in the future the user will be given more control.

The company is currently working on an automated toolset that will even allow the applications themselves to dictate how resources are dynamically allocated but Bowker remains tight-lipped when pushed for more details.

Pricing Scan is keen to point out that pricing is generally on application and that it offers a volume price model for larger scale deployments. However, Coyle did tell us that 3XS Cloud Workstation instances start at £94 per user, per month, with a typical Revit instance coming in at www.AECmag.com

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around £100 to £150.

Importantly, there is no annual commitment, which makes cloud workstations well suited to short term projects, or for helping firms deal with peaks and troughs in their workloads or, indeed, in their staff numbers.

Scan can be very flexible in how instances are deployed to help with urgent jobs, “It’s just a case of adding a machine to the pool, which you can do temporarily and get that job done, and then tear that machine back down,” says Bowker.

“Currently billing is monthly, but we want to get that down to a more granular level.

“We’ll always do everything we can to accommodate what people need to get it done. Our billing system just doesn’t spit out hourly bills at the moment.

Cloud workstation a virtual test drive

Conclusion Scan has taken a somewhat unique path in the workstation market, by offering cloud workstations and physical machines. It means its customers can get powerful 3D workstations pretty much any way they want – virtual, mobile, desktop – purchased or leased.

Building a cloud workstation business from scratch, using technology known for its complexity, would have been a huge undertaking on its own. But by partnering with ebb3, Scan looks to have chosen well. In our extensive interview, we were very impressed with the knowledge its co-founders have of AEC applications and the industry as a whole, just as Nvidia seems to be with the company’s technical competency.

While our discussions largely centred on Architecture, Engineering and Construction, ebb3 is also heavily involved in manufacturing. It has close links with Dassault Systèmes, the developer of Catia and SolidWorks, as well as the growing aerospace industry across the North West of England.

Of course, this is still early days for Scan and while its cloud workstation platform currently offers some flexibility in terms of resource allocation and billing, to really take full advantage of the cloud, it will need to expand this more.

But it sounds like this is already part of the plan. The idea of an automated toolset intrigues us greatly and if ebb3 is developing a system that can scale up and scale down resources, responding automatically to changes in workflows, then it’s a compelling vision for workstations moving forward.

It will mean firms can stop thinking about individual machines but rather a collective workstation resource that can be allocated to users on demand.

We tested out the Scan 3XS Cloud workstation platform using two demanding game engine viz applications Autodesk Revit Live and LumenRT. This was done over a home Virgin 100Mbps internet connection (wired and wireless) using a standard Windows PC and MacBook Pro, as well as over 4G, using a MacBook Pro tethered to an iPhone.

In general, the experience was good to excellent. The Windows PC connected directly to the router over Ethernet felt exactly the same as working on a local workstation, with no discernible lag or image degradation.

On a MacBook Pro connected over WiFi to a router downstairs, the experience was OK, but we did notice a little bit of latency from time to time and the model on screen did not always respond instantly to our mouse movements. We had a similar experience over 4G – it was OK but struggled a bit at times, particularly with some of the more demanding 3D models.

We did notice our experience varied over the course of the day and things generally degraded from about 6pm, the start of peak time for home Internet users.

This was by no means a controlled experiment, as there are so many moving targets - quality of the Internet connection, the strength of the WiFi signal, location of the router, and interference from other WiFi networks.

That said, it did highlight the importance of infrastructure when deploying a cloud workstation solution.

Our cloud workstation instance featured an Nvidia GRID GPU Q profile (a bit faster than a desktop Quadro M6000 GPU), Intel Xeon E5-2690 V4 with 14 cores, 96GB RAM and an SSD.

■ scan.co.uk/business/cloud-workstations

January / February 2019

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Advertorial

NVIDIA® Holodeck ™ allows people from any location to collaborate in an immersive, VR environment.

Image courtesy of CannonDesign

Why You Must Embrace the New (Virtual) Reality I

f your AEC firm hasn’t invested in virtual reality (VR) technology yet, you could be letting your competitors pass you by.

According to the Chaos Group Architectural Visualization Technology Report, 28% of architecture and architectural visualization professionals were using VR at the end of 2017, while 53% were either experimenting with VR or planning to do so in the future.

“Now is a great time for AEC professionals to add VR to their design workflows,” says Thomas Riley, Director of Global Business Development, AEC at NVIDIA. “Recent technology enhancements have improved the VR experience so much that companies can’t afford to ignore it any longer.”

Specifically, Riley points to developments that have dramatically improved the resolution, audio quality, and gaze tracking capabilities of head-mounted displays (HMDs).

“As VR continues to get better and better, AEC firms will continue to exploit the technology for competitive advantage,” Riley says. “Photorealistic rendering, powered by Quadro GPUs, is making it possible for many of our clients to use VR in transformative ways.”

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Construction firm Suffolk-Yates, for example, has been using NVIDIA Quadro-powered VR to significantly reduce the number of physical mockups required for its $1.5 billion expansion of the flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

The Gettys Group, a hotel design and development firm, takes mobile VR to its construction sites, so executives, operations team members, and general contractors can visualize projects together and cut months off renovation timelines.

And skyscraper specialist KPF uses VR and other advanced visualization technologies to empower its designers to do more of what they do best—solve incredibly complex design problems early in the design pipeline.

VR is also used by a wide variety of NVIDIA’s AEC clients to facilitate collaboration. VR-enabled walkthroughs, using professional graphics cards for an incredible level of realism, make it much easier for stakeholders to provide valuable, instant feedback on designs, colors, textures, and construction features.

“Using VR, our clients find it easier to visualize spaces, which typically results in speedier

approvals,” Riley says. For instance, tradespeople and maintenance personnel can offer their unique perspectives on design choices, which can save costly rework down the road. In the design of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, backlit hall panels were tweaked to accommodate the hotel’s vacuum cleaners and wands were added to the showers to make cleaning easier and more efficient.

What’s more, immersive VR experiences can be used to run virtual construction rehearsals and more effective maintenance and safety training sessions.

“At NVIDIA, we continue to innovate to make VR more valuable to the AEC industry,” Riley says.

“Quadro RTX represents the most significant advancement in computer graphics in more than a decade, and the NVIDIA Holodeck is a multi-user, VR innovation platform that allows designers in different geographies to work collaboratively in the same immersive environment.”

For CannonDesign, a global AEC firm with more than 1,000 people worldwide, NVIDIA Holodeck makes it possible “to collaborate on a level that was never possible before,” according to Hilda Espinal, Sr Vice President/CTO. “People can design together, as if they were face to face,

05/02/2019 18:21

Advertorial

To cut costs on the expansion of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Suffolk-Yates teamed up with Theia Interactive to create incredibly detailed VR walkthroughs, powered by NVIDIA® Quadro® graphics cards.

Image courtesy of Theia Interactive

Image courtesy of IBI Group

without ever getting on an airplane.”

The platform, which assigns each participant a custom avatar that can interact with everyone else in the session, has been a game-changer for CannonDesign and its clients. “Oftentimes, not everyone (including stakeholders) understands spatial relationships from what is presented in two-dimensional representations, such as plans, sections, static renderings, or even preset animations, so being able to bring them into virtual reality and ‘immersing’ clients to show them what their space is going to be like, in an experiential fashion, blows their mind,” Espinal says.

GETTING VR RIGHT REQUIRES EXTREMELY HIGH GRAPHICS PERFORMANCE “Most people don’t understand the level of hardware required to run VR effectively,” says George Matos, NVIDIA’s Senior Technical Marketing Manager, AEC. “To take advantage of the latest developments like NVIDIA Holodeck, as well as future enhancements, you can set yourself up for success by choosing the right hardware from the start.”

“GPUs designed for gaming—and even some professional GPUs—don’t have the frame buffer to

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Image courtesy of IBI Group

handle the large data sets required for construction For more information about the NVIDIA Quadro line walkthroughs or the power to drive the latestof professional graphics cards for AEC, go to generation HMDs,” Riley adds. “AEC pros should www.nvidia.com/aec consider our new Quadro RTX GPUs for the world’s smoothest, highest-resolution VR experiences.”

For optimal VR performance, both Riley and Matos recommend professional, VR-ready graphics cards that are certified to run professional applications on workstations from leading manufacturers. NVIDIA’s Quadro graphics cards deliver: • • • • •

Large frame buffer Highly tuned, stable graphics drivers Scalable performance, up to 96 GB GDDR6 memory, using NVLink Enterprise-level technical support and warranties Bulk availability with full product lifecycle management

“Until recently, AEC professionals had mixed feelings about VR — some loved it and others hated it,” Matos says. “Now, thanks to advances in GPUs and HMDs, virtual reality is fast becoming the new reality across the entire AEC industry.”

05/02/2019 18:21

workstation special report

AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200 AMD’s new high-end professional GPU may be power-hungry and slightly off the pace in some applications, but its trump card is multitasking, which means you can render in the background and still get a fully responsive 3D viewport. Greg Corke reports Price £790 Ex VAT amd.com/en/graphics/workstations

The WX 8200 packs in 3,584 Stream processors and delivers 10.75 TFLOPs of Peak Single Precision (FP32) Performance. On paper, this is around 88% of what the WX 9100 offers with 4,096 Stream Processors and 12.3 TFLOPs, but it costs considerably less. On scan.co.uk, it is currently going for £790 (ex VAT), whereas the WX 9100 will set you back £1,220 (ex VAT).

The big difference between the two GPUs is memory. The WX 8200 has 8GB of fast HBM2 memory with ECC support, while the WX 9100 has double that at 16GB. This is a key consideration for GPU rendering, as memory plays a crucial role. It is also becoming much more important for VR and real-time visualisation, particularly at 4K resolution and above. If you plan to multitask and work in 3D as you render a scene in the background, it’s even more critical and 8GB is likely to be too little.

In saying that, the WX 8200’s High Bandwidth Cache Controller (HBCC) can help you work beyond the physical memory limits of the GPU, by allocating a portion of the workstation’s system memory for it to use, but more on this later.

In terms of competition, the Radeon Pro WX 8200 is naturally pitted against the Nvidia Quadro P4000 as they have similar price points. On scan.co.uk, the P4000 is currently available for £675 (ex VAT), £115 less than the WX 8200.

The P4000 features 8GB of GDDR5 memory but is very different in terms of its physical packaging. It’s a single-slot GPU and is much less power-hungry. With a max power consumption of 105W, it also has the benefit of being compatible with an entrylevel workstation, such as the HP Z2 Tower or Dell Precision 3630 Tower, and only needs one six-pin external power connector.

There’s also the Quadro P5000 (16GB

GDDR6), which should offer significant performance increases. The Quadro RTX 4000 and Quadro RTX 5000 are currently available on pre-order at scan.co.uk for £808 (Ex VAT) and £1,832 (Ex VAT) respectively .

Testing Our test machine is a typical midrange workstation with the following specifications: • Intel Xeon W-2125 (4.0GHz, 4.5GHz Turbo) (4 Cores) CPU • 32GB 2666MHz DDR4 ECC memory • 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD • Windows 10 Pro for Workstation

It’s been two years since AMD launched its Radeon Pro WX family of GPUs, For AMD GPUs we used the 18.Q4 driver. starting with the Radeon Pro WX 4100 For Nvidia GPUs, the 416.16 driver. To and WX 5100, focused on 3D CAD and the cater to our key audience of designers, Radeon Pro WX 7100 for entry-level GPU engineers, design visualisers and rendering and VR. Last year, it extended architects, we focused on five professional this to the high end with the Radeon Pro applications in the areas of 3D CAD, real WX 9100, the first professional GPU to time visualisation, VR and ray trace feature the company’s long-awaited Vega rendering. The applications used a variety GPU architecture. of APIs, including OpenGL, DirectX and The Radeon Pro WX 9100 fell a little OpenCL. Wherever possible, we used realshort of expectations. Our tests showed world design and engineering datasets. it generally sat somewhere between Interactive 3D the Nvidia Quadro P4000 and Quadro P5000 but performed well in select For real-time visualisation, frame rates workflows such as OpenCL-based ray were recorded with FRAPS, using a trace rendering and immersive VR in 3DConnexion SpaceMouse to ensure the DirectX applications. model moved in a consistent way every This summer, AMD added a new hightime. We tested at both FHD (1,920 x end model to the fold, the Radeon Pro WX 1,080) and 4K (3,840 x 2,160) resolution.

8200. On paper, this GPU is very similar Enscape 2.4 is a real-time viz and VR to the WX 9100, but it costs considerably tool for architects that uses OpenGL 4.2. It less. At launch, AMD claimed that for realdelivers very high-quality graphics in the time visualisation, virtual reality (VR) viewport and uses elements of ray-tracing and photorealistic rendering, it offered the for real-time global illumination. best workstation graphics performance Enscape provided two real-world for under $1,000. However, this bold datasets for our testing – a large claim was qualified in residential building (see the footnotes, having chart 1) and a colossal been tested under select commercial development Nvidia might currently be the Usain Bolt of 3D workflows including chart 2). The GPU graphics and the favourite in a flat race. But if you (see Adobe Premiere Pro, memory requirements want to juggle circus balls, while powering down for these models are Autodesk Maya, Radeon the back straight, our money would be on AMD ProRender and Blender quite substantial. The Cycles. residential building uses 2.8GB @ FHD and 4.5GB Specifications GDDR5X), a double-slot GPU with a @ 4K, while the commercial development The Radeon Pro WX 8200 is very similar max power consumption of 180W, which uses 5.5GB @ FHD and 6.9GB @ 4K. to older sibling the WX 9100 both in comes in at £1,399 (Ex VAT) on scan.co.uk. This was fine for our testing, as all the terms of looks and specifications. Both For the purpose of this review, we put GPUs feature a minimum of 8GB, but it are double-slot GPUs with a thermal the WX 8200 up against the P4000 and emphasises the point we made earlier design power (TDP) of 230W, which is P5000 and also the WX 9100 and the WX about the importance of GPU memory. If quite a lot for a desktop GPU. You’ll need 7100, AMD’s mid-range single-slot pro using multiple applications at the same a mid-range to high-end workstation, GPU, which has 8GB of GDDR5 memory time, especially a GPU renderer, you may such as the HP Z4 or Dell Precision 5820 and costs £521 (Ex VAT). quickly find yourself running out.

Tower, with a pretty hefty power supply Both Nvidia GPUs are set to be For the most part, the WX 8200 and both 6-pin and 8-pin external power replaced imminently with the Turing- stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the connectors. It has four mini DisplayPort based Quadro RTX 4000 (8GB WX 9100 and the P4000, although outputs, while the WX 9100 has six.

GDDR6) and Quadro RTX 5000 (16GB the P4000 had a slight lead when

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testing at FHD resolution. The Quadro P5000 topped the charts, although it is significantly more expensive. The WX 7100 came bottom by quite a long way.

At this point, it’s important to note the relevance of Frame Per Seconds (FPS).

Generally speaking, for interactive design visualisation, you want more than 24 FPS for a fluid experience. When testing at 4K resolution, all of our GPUs delivered 16FPS or under, which is not ideal. However, as with most applications, you can dial down the visual quality in Enscape to increase performance.

For example, when set to draft, which still gives very good visual results, we achieved 25FPS with the WX 8200.

We were interested in Autodesk Revit Live, another game engine and VR tool for architects, as it uses DirectX 11 instead of OpenGL. The model we used – a community centre (see chart 3) – is not as demanding, and the graphics not as realistic as those in Enscape, but the performance results were very similar.

Autodesk VRED Professional 2019 is an automotive-focused 3D visualisation, virtual prototyping and VR tool. It uses OpenGL 4.3 and delivers very high-quality visuals in the viewport. It offers several levels of real-time anti-aliasing (AA), which is important for automotive styling, as it smoothes the edges of body panels, but AA calculations use a lot of GPU resources.

We tested our automotive model with AA set to ‘off’ (see chart 4), ‘medium’ (see chart 5) and ‘ultra-high’.

When real-time AA was disabled, the WX 8200 had a small but significant lead over the P4000, but fell off the pace a bit when AA was enabled. At 4K, with AA set to Ultra High, even the P5000 struggled, and the model was very choppy in the viewport. In these types of automotive styling workflows, where visual quality is of paramount importance, you really need to look at a multi-GPU solution.

We also tested with VRMark, a dedicated Virtual Reality benchmark that uses both DirectX 11 and DirectX 12. It’s biased towards 3D games, so not perfect for our needs, but should give a good indication of the performance one might expect in ‘game engine’ design viz tools, such as Unity and Unreal, which are increasingly being used alongside 3D design tools.

In the DX 11-based Orange Room test (see chart 6), the WX 8200 was a tiny bit behind the P4000 but it showed a significant lead in the more demanding Blue Room test (see chart 7), which is designed for next-generation VR headsets.

The WX 8200 also beat both Nvidia GPUs in the DX 12-based Cyan Room test (see chart 8), outperfoming the P4000 www.AECmag.com

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The Radeon Pro WX by some way. According to quality of transparent objects in 8200 performs well AMD, this is because the Vega the viewport. in the GPU renderer, architecture is designed to We won’t go into any great Radeon ProRender perform very well with low- for SolidWorks, which depth in our SolidWorks is also available for level APIs like DirectX 12, testing, as we cover this in 3ds max and inide Vulkan and Metal (on OS X). At detail in our sister publication Cinema 4D the moment, pro applications DEVELOP3D (tinyurl.com/D3Dbuilt on these APIs are thin on the GPUx), but the long and short of it is that ground, so this may be a consideration all of the professional GPUs tested in this for the future, although viz artists could article should be fine for 3D CAD and BIM. choose to create real-time viz and VR With very complex assemblies, experiences using DX 12 as both Unity you might not get the frame rates you and Unreal already support want for a fluid viewport experience the Microsoft standard. without relying on ‘Level Of Detail’ The WX 8200 is somewhat optimisation in the CAD tool, overpowered for 3D CAD but this is not down to applications like SolidWorks, the power of the which tend to be CPUGPU, rather limited and work just as the frequency well with an entryof the CPU, as level or midin most CAD range GPU applications, like the the CPU is the bottleneck.

In saying that, the new beta graphics engine in SolidWorks 2019 does a great job of reducing the CPU bottleneck and giving higherend GPUs a chance to use their full power.

GPU rendering Radeon Pro WX 5100.

However, CAD is one of the main reasons one would choose a professional GPU over a consumer GPU as they are certified and optimised for a range of CAD tools.

This means there can be stability and performance benefits and access to pro viz features such as RealView in SolidWorks and OIT (Order Independent Transparency) in SolidWorks and Creo, which increase performance and visual

The role of the GPU has changed dramatically over the years and it is now becoming an extremely viable processor for ray trace rendering. There are several rendering tools that can take advantage of AMD GPUs through the open API, OpenCL. This includes AMD’s own renderer, Radeon ProRender, as well as Blender Cycles, V-Ray, Indigo and others.

Radeon ProRender is free and available for SolidWorks, PTC Creo, Blender, 3ds max, Maya and Unreal Engine (beta). It is also built into Cinema4D and Modo (beta) and there’s a Rhino version January / February 2019

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available on GitHub. lead. While it gives a great idea of the the WX 8200 was designed from the Chaos Group V-Ray, the popular relative performance one would expect in ground up to mix 3D graphics and compute design viz renderer that has plug-ins V-Ray, Nvidia GPUs are always likely to tasks (such as ray trace rendering) and for a wide range of DDC and CAD tools, do better here as Chaos Group has done dynamically switch between them. support AMD GPUs through an OpenCL significantly more development work In practice, if you try to rotate your 3D implementation. It also supports Nvidia on the CUDA engine than it has on the model in the viewport while ray trace CUDA, although AMD GPUs do not work OpenCL engine. rendering on the same GPU, the driver with renderers that only use CUDA. In short, GPU rendering performance instantly pauses some compute tasks, lets Examples of other CUDA-based is very dependent on the software, as it is you move your model into position and renderers include SolidWorks Visualize, with 3D graphics. then re-starts as soon as you stop. And it Dassault Systèmes Catia Live Rendering, seems to do this very well.

Siemens NX Ray Traced Studio or any Multi-tasking We explored this feature by running Nvidia Iray plug-in.

Rendering a scene with a CPU-based ray the V-Ray benchmark, and then, with the For our testing, we used Radeon trace renderer used to mean the perfect GPU running flat out at 100%, see how it ProRender for SolidWorks which is based excuse for a cup of tea. There was no point responded when we tried to rotate a 3D on OpenCL 1.2. model in SolidWorks and Using the Black Owl Autodesk VRED. PC model from the In SolidWorks, the AMD has done an excellent job of turning the SPECapc SolidWorks 2017 humble ‘graphics card’ into a true multipurpose viewport responded benchmark, we recorded instantly to the movement processor, allowing users to swap seamlessly the time it took to resolve of our mouse and felt fluid, between graphics and compute tasks the render 1,000 times at both in shaded with edges 800 x 600 resolution, with and RealView display the render quality set to modes. Frame rates were low (see chart 9). in soldiering on with other work as the exactly the same, regardless of whether The WX 8200 stood shoulder to entire workstation would grind to a halt. the V-Ray benchmark was running or shoulder with the WX 9100 and had But now it’s easy to restrict the number not, which was impressive: 20.01 FPS a clear lead over both Nvidia GPUs, of CPU cores the renderer uses, leaving in shaded with edges mode and 13.13 completing the scene 11 per cent faster some cores free for other tasks. Core with RealView, shadows and Ambient than the P5000. This wasn’t entirely allocation can even be done from within Occlusion enabled. unexpected as Nvidia puts more the rendering software itself.

In contrast, with the P4000, frame rates development resources into CUDA Most GPU rendering applications don’t dropped quite dramatically from 26.34 to than OpenCL and, of course, Radeon have that same granularity, but thanks 10.02 in shaded with edges mode and from ProRender is also developed by AMD. to AMD’s Graphic Core Next (GCN) 16.70 to 6.31 with Realview, shadows and We also tested the GPUs with the freely architecture, with its asynchronous Ambient Occlusion enabled. In addition, downloadable V-Ray benchmark (see chart compute engine, they don’t necessary at times, the viewport was unresponsive, 10). Here, Nvidia has quite a substantial need to. Like all AMD Radeon Pro GPUs, and the model stuttered.

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Enscape 2.4

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Complex model @ 4K

Frames Per Second (bigger is better)

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13

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31

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48

AMD Radeon Pro WX 9100 (16GB)

48

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AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200 (8GB)

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SolidWorks, as with most 3D CAD applications, is CPU-limited so only uses a fraction of the GPU’s resources. So to give the WX 8200 more of a challenge, we did the same test with Autodesk VRED Professional, which uses 100% of the GPU when moving a model in the viewport.

The viewport also responded instantly, but performance was impacted quite substantially. At FHD resolution with no anti-aliasing, frame rates dropped from 51.3 to 13.13. Things were still fairly fluid but, at higher resolutions or with AA enabled, we would expect it to impact the experience significantly. But the P4000 suffered more, and frames rates dropped from 48.55 to 7.7 and the viewport became choppy. The P5000 was even worse, dropping from 65.4 all the way down to an unusable 3.00.

But what impact does the WX 8200’s ability to multitask have on render speeds? In short, very little. In real-world worfklows, graphics tasks tend to come in short bursts. The designer may reposition a model to work on a different face or zoom into an assembly to model details. It’s not like a 3D game, where the GPU constantly runs flat-out as you battle your enemies.

We tested this out in SolidWorks and VRED, performing 20 separate rotate and zoom operations in each application over a two-minute period as the V-Ray benchmark ran in the background. This only increased the render time by 2 seconds and 10 seconds respectively (or 1.5% and 6%).

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Use cases in design review or project presentations (such as an architectural walkthrough) may be a little different, but here, you’d probably want to pause the render anyway to ensure the best experience for your team or client.

However, we tried this out anyway: spinning the car model in VRED for the entire duration of the render only extended the render time by 53 seconds (or 37%).

With V-Ray itself, as opposed to the V-Ray benchmark, it is possible to adjust the load on the GPU to help keep the viewport responsive. This is done by reducing the rays per pixel and/or the ray bundle size, essentially breaking up the data passed to the GPU into smaller chunks. Chaos Group says this will reduce the rendering speed, although we don’t know by how much.

Pushing the memory limits GPU memory is becoming more and more important, particularly if you intend to use the GPU for both compute and graphics tasks. And while 8GB may have appeared to be a lot a few years ago, it is now considered ‘entry-level’ for vizfocused workflows.

To give this some context, simply loading up our large Enscape model uses 5GB at FHD and 6.8GB at 4K resolution, leaving little space for much else. Even SolidWorks 2019, with its new OpenGL 4.5 graphics engine, can easily use 3GB or 4GB on a single model. And if you run

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multiple applications, each with their own datasets, GPU memory soon gets devoured.

For demanding workflows, the obvious solution is to invest in a GPU with more memory. However, 16GB GPUs, such as the Radeon Pro WX 9100 or Quadro P5000, are significantly more expensive, and 32GB GPUs even more so.

But AMD has a trick up its sleeve to help users get more out of its WX 8200 and WX 9100 by extending the practical limits of GPU memory.

With most GPU architectures, when GPU memory becomes full, applications crash. AMD’s Vega, on the other hand, features a HBCC (High-Bandwidth Cache Controller) that allows GPU memory to spill over into system memory, in much the same way data pages to the hard drive when system memory becomes full.

The size of this cache is controlled in the Radeon Pro driver, using a slider. It can be as big as the workstation’s entire system memory, although this is probably unadvisable or indeed beneficial.

To test it out, we launched two separate processes that we knew, when combined, would use up more than the 8GB on the GPU – viewing our Revit Live test model at FHD resolution (4GB) and rendering our SolidWorks computer model in Radeon ProRender at 4K resolution (6.4GB). Using GPU-Z, a free tool that measures GPU resource utilisation, the GPU was shown to be using a total of 10.4GB. Even though this was 2.4GB more than

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Orange Room

Blue Room

Cyan Room

Frames Per Second (bigger is better)

Frames Per Second (bigger is better)

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144

AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200 (8GB)

180

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the GPU’s 8GB of physical memory, we were able to run the ProRender render and smoothly manipulate the Revit Live model at the same time. On the P4000, this simply wasn’t possible, as Radeon ProRender crashed as soon as Revit Live became the active application. To push things further we attempted to fill the GPU with over 12GB of data, but this ended up freezing our system.

More experimentation is needed to find out the practical limits and benefits of HBCC – and that’s the subject of a whole different article – but it looks like it’s probably best-suited to giving you a bit of additional headroom and not as a means of getting a 32GB GPU on the cheap. Even if it could handle such large datasets, performance would probably suffer considerably.

Remote workstation Flexible working is on the rise and long gone are the days when work ends as soon as you leave the office. AMD now includes a remote workstation capability for its Radeon Pro GPUs, which allow you access your 3D workstation from almost anywhere, on any device. Using a home PC, laptop or even a tablet, you basically get a window into your workstation with full 3D graphics acceleration, so you can spin your 3D models as if you were sat at your desk.

The WX 8200’s remote workstation capability is built into the core Radeon Pro driver and then there are then a few additional requirements: Citrix XenDesktop Virtual Delivery Agent

(VDA) needs to be installed on the workstation and Citrix Receiver on the client device, so there is a licensing cost to consider.

We didn’t test out this capability, but Citrix is a proven technology and on paper, it looks like a simple way to extend the reach of your desktop workstation – or even create a dedicated server for running 3D applications in a virtualised environment.

The same technology is being used in the new HPE Edgeline EL4000 Engineering Workstation (EWS), which features Radeon Pro WX 4100 GPUs

Capturing the moment Radeon Pro GPUs include a ‘professionalgrade’ screen capture and recording software tool called ReLive. The utility was originally developed to capture and stream 3D games, but it also has professional applications; users can easily create videos for presentations and tutorials. The software provides full control over resolution and quality and you can also trim videos to length. The entire desktop can be captured, as well as specific regions or windowed applications.

All in all, it’s a neat little utility.

Conclusion The Radeon Pro WX 8200 is an interesting proposition for workstation users. By offering a slightly cut-down version of the Radeon Pro WX 9100 at an attractive sub$1,000 price point, AMD is now better able to compete with Nvidia’s Quadros when it comes to price/performance.

The WX 8200 appears to do extremely

well in OpenCL renderers and DirectX 12 applications, where it even beats the considerably more expensive Nvidia Quadro P5000. It does OK in OpenGL and DirectX 11 applications, generally sitting somewhere between the P4000 and P5000, but sometimes plays second fiddle to the Quadro P4000, which is over £100 cheaper and consumes much less power.

In such workflows, one can only expect Nvidia’s lead to increase with the new Quadro RTX 4000.

But AMD holds a very big trump card when it comes to multitasking. It has done an excellent job of turning the humble ‘graphics card’ into a true multipurpose processor, allowing users to swap seamlessly between graphics and compute tasks. Try rendering on an Nvidia GPU and then spinning a model in your 3D design tool and your experience will likely be choppy in comparison. Users can get around this with multi-GPUs, where one is dedicated to graphics and the other to compute, but that’s an expensive way to solve the problem and will mean one of your GPUs sits idle some of the time. Some renderers allow you to reduce the load on GPU, but this will extend the rendering times and you won’t be taking full advantage of the GPU, even when you’re not spinning your 3D model.

As always with pro applications, it all boils down to workflows. Nvidia might currently be the Usain Bolt of 3D graphics and the favourite in a flat race. But if you want to juggle circus balls, while powering down the back straight, our money would be on AMD.

AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200 desktop workstations The Armari Magnetar S32T-RD1300G3 is focused heavily on design viz. It features a special compact chassis that has been designed specifically to house AMD’s 250W monster

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Threadripper 2 CPU, which has up to 32 cores.

The workstation can host up to three AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200 GPUs, up to 128GB RAM and it has 6 hot-swap drive bays.

January / February 2019

The Scan 3XS WI4000 Design is built around Intel’s 9th Generation Core desktop processors which feature frequencies up to 5.0GHz and up to 8 cores.

In this machine, the CPU

is focused on application performance, leaving the AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200 free for GPU rendering, real time viz or VR. It offers SSDs and HDDs and can support up to 64GB RAM.

The Workstation Specialists WS-X1180 Frequency Enhanced features a choice of overclocked Intel Core X-series processors from the 6 core Intel Core i7-

7800X up to the 18 core Intel Core i9-9980XE. The viz focused machine can support multiple AMD Radeon Pro WX 8200 GPUs, up to 128GB of memory and M.2 SSDs & 3.5-inch HDDs.

www.AECmag.com

06/02/2019 17:56

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workstation special report

Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Lenovo is late to the game with its premium, ultra-thin 15-inch mobile workstation, but it has been worth the wait, since the ThinkPad P1 delivers an impressive blend of portability and performance for users of 3D CAD and BIM software, writes Greg Corke Price £3,107 Ex VAT lenovo.com

The keyboard itself is really solid and the frame has very little give. There’s just about the right amount of travel on the keys and typing is a pleasure. Equally, the glass touchpad has the perfect amount of resistance with full multitouch support.

There’s also the classic Trackpoint, for those who prefer their input devices to be old school, along with three physical mouse buttons. To the right of the keyboard, there’s a fingerprint reader that uses touch rather than swipe for easier authentication.

For more advanced security, the front-facing Infrared camera supports Windows Hello technology, so you can use your face for authentication or logging in. In addition, the bundled Mirametrix Glance software can automatically lock the machine when you look away for a set time, then unlock upon your return. Often these types of features come across as gimmicks, but this seems truly useful.

The Infrared camera is only available with the optional 4K (3,840 x 2,160) display and not the standard FHD (1,920 x 1,080) display, which costs £149 less.

In addition to the obvious benefits of a 4K display – crisper CAD g e o m e t r y, h i g h e r fidelity

are four times as many pixels to render (see later).

In terms of ports, the machine is very well-equipped. On the right, you’ll find two USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type-A), along with smart card slot and SD card reader. On the left, there are two Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C), an HDMI 2.0, a 3.5mm Mic/headphone combo jack, as well as a dedicated Mini Gigabit Ethernet (the machine comes with an RJ45 adapter). To boost display connectivity, there are optional USB-C to DisplayPort and HDMi to VGA adapters.

The P1 has a brand new 135W power supply, which is remarkably small (35% smaller than its predecessor). It weighs less than 500g (including a UK plug) and features a neat ‘dog ear’ design so the lead can be wrapped around neatly.

The 4 cell Li-Polymer 80Wh battery features Rapid Charge Technology, which Lenovo says gives you 80% of battery life in 30 mins and 40% in 15 mins after plugging in. This is great for a quick top up at a café or an airport.

The battery lasted a reasonable 125 mins in the demanding PCMark (OpenCL) media test, which continually hammers both CPU and GPU. In a more typical dayto-day workflow, with a combination of 3D CAD and office apps, we’d expect it to go for considerably longer.

For years Lenovo had a big gap in its mobile workstation portfolio. The closest thing it had to a premium, ultra-portable 15.6-inch laptop for 3D CAD and BIM was the ThinkPad P52s. But while this 1.95kg, 20mm-thick machine offered incredible battery life, it simply couldn’t compete with the Dell Precision 5530 or HP ZBook Studio G5 when it came to performance, portability and stylish good looks.

Last year, Lenovo finally filled this gap with the ThinkPad P1.

The slimline machine boasts specifications Specs and performance that are close to those of a mainstream 15.6-inch Thin and light used to mean a trade-off in mobile workstation, but the performance but, as with the HP ZBook sleek design is only 18.7mm Studio G5 and Dell Precision 5530, the thick and 1.8kg with a 4K ThinkPad P1 is up there with most display. standard 15.6-inch The P1 may be thin and light mobile workstations. but like all ThinkPads it is built Our test machine’s for endurance. The main body “Coffee Lake” Intel is made from magnesium alloy Xeon E-2176M CPU and the lid is carbon fibre. It has (2.7GHz, 4.4GHz Turbo) has six been designed to withstand (and is cores, a significant step up from the Mil-Spec tested for) cold, heat, vibration, quad-core “Kaby Lake” CPUs of 2017. shock, dust and other hazards. The laptop It means a substantial performance boost has a really solid feel to it: the hinge is firm in multi-threaded operations such as ray and the display has very little trace rendering. flex. One gets the feeling it could Of course, for mobile be picked up by the corner of the workstations there are always Compared to a mainstream “Kaby screen, though we weren’t brave Lake” 15.6-inch mobile workstation of big challenges when it comes to enough to try. thermal management. On paper, 2017, the P1 is thinner, lighter and a For a premium look and feel, the Xeon E-2176M sustains an big step up in terms of performance the ThinkPad P1 has a clean, impressive 4.4GHz in singleminimal design and a soft touch threaded operations, such as matt black finish. It’s a slightly CAD, but the frequency can go darker shade than standard ThinkPads images and huge spreadsheets – the 4K down as low as 2.7GHz when all six cores and looks and feels great but is a tiny bit panel is brighter (400nits vs 300nits), is are being used flat out. prone to marks from greasy fingerprints. multi touch enabled, boasts 100% Adobe On test, the P1’s dual fan cooling system The keyboard is seamless, so it blends in colour gamut and a 10-bit colour depth. did a great job of keeping clock speeds with the palm rest, but there’s no numeric It’s a beautiful display with a slight glossy relatively high. For burst renders of a keypad. This is because there simply isn’t finish. However, as with all 4K displays, it few minutes, it hovered around 3.1GHz room; at 361.8mm, the P1 is not as wide could have an impact on 3D performance to 3.2GHz. Even when we rendered a as Lenovo’s mainstream 15.6-inch mobile with frame rates slower than they would huge scene for over an hour, it managed workstation, the P52. be with the FHD panel. After all, there to maintain an all-core speed of 3.0GHz

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workstation special report

– and without the fans getting too noisy.

Impressive stuff.

To put this in perspective, in our V-Ray and KeyShot rendering benchmarks, it was almost twice as fast as the Lenovo ThinkPad P52s mobile workstation with a quad core Intel Core i7-8650U CPU (1.9GHz, 4.2GHz Turbo). It even managed to beat a desktop workstation, the Dell Precision 5820 which we reviewed last year and had a quad core Intel Xeon W-2125 (4.0GHz, 4.5GHz Turbo).

The ThinkPad P1 is also well-specified when it comes to graphics, featuring the Nvidia Quadro P2000 with Max-Q GPU design, a slightly lower-powered implementation of the Quadro P2000.

We tested primarily in SolidWorks 2019 and found the P1 could handle large assemblies as well as most other workstations, desktop and mobile. We’d expect to have a similar experience with other CAD and BIM tools.

With the ‘beta’ OpenGL graphics engine, which helps remove the CPU bottleneck experienced in most CAD and BIM tools, we saw frame rates in our largest assembly, rise from a stuttering 4.51 to a smooth 23.47. In comparison, the Dell Precision 5530 2-in-1 with its Radeon Pro WX Vega M GL graphics went from 3.91 to 15.75.

In our game engine viz and Autodesk VRED tests, the Quadro P2000 Max-Q GPU struggled a bit because of the 4K display. Frame rates dropped as low as 5 frames per second (FPS), whereas 20+ FPS is really ideal. Dialling down the resolution to 1,920 x 1,080 (FHD) brought frame rates up to a much more acceptable level, more than double in most cases.

In SolidWorks shaded with edges mode however, where graphics performance is more influenced by CPU frequency, so places less emphasis on the GPU, frame rates remained largely the same. With the ‘beta’ graphics engine, they went up 30% with our medium sized desktop

PC model and 43% with our or memory. Simply remove Product spec large production machinery seven small Philips screws on assembly. the back and a panel slides off ■ Intel Xeon E-2176M CPU (6 cores, 12 Hopefully, this should give easily. You’ll also have access threads) (2.7GHz, some food for thought when to the battery, though this is 4.4GHz Turbo) choosing between the FHD fiddly to replace.

■ Nvidia Quadro P2000 (Max Q) 4GB and 4K panel. Of course, one GDDR5 GPU Conclusion could always go for the 4K ■ 32GB DDR4panel regardless and reduce Lenovo may be late to the 2666MHz memory the resolution as and when game with its ThinkPad P1 ■ 2 x 1TB SSD M.2 2280 NVMe, Opal workflows dictate. However, but it has certainly been worth (RAID 0) this is only really practical in the wait. It’s an impressive ■ 15.6” 4K UHD Touch (3,840 x 2,160) full-screen applications like mobile workstation with great IPS display, 400nits, game engine viz, since toolbars build quality that strikes a 100% Adobe colour gamut, 10-bit and icons are not super sharp very good balance between colour depth when not viewed at the native performance, portability and ■ 362 (w) x 246 (d) x 4K resolution. thermal management. Some 18.4mm (h) In terms of storage, the of the earliest ultra-portables ■ From 1.70kg ThinkPad P1 can host one were prone to fan noise and ■ Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 or two M.2 NVMe SSDs, up throttling, but the P1 excels at ■ ThinkPad 3 Year to a maximum of 4TB. Our maintaining performance and On-site warranty test machine came with a good acoustics: it’s virtually pair of 1TB SSDs, configured silent when idle and not too as a 2TB striped (RAID 0) array. This loud even under heavy loads. combination delivers incredible read/ Most impressively, even though it is write performance but is a risky path thinner and lighter than a mainstream to take as, should either drive fail, all “Kaby Lake” 15.6-inch mobile workstation your data will be lost. For CAD or BIM, from 2017, it is significant step up in terms RAID 0 is certainly overkill and this setup of performance, not least when it comes should only be considered if you have a to rendering. The 4K panel is beautiful workflow that would really benefit from but be wary of its potential impact on 3D it – for example, simulation, point cloud performance. processing or video editing.

Of course, there are some downsides: By standardising on solid state battery life could be better and the lack storage, the P1 doesn’t give the option of a of a 2.5-inch drive means storage can 2.5-inch hard disk drive (HDD), which become expensive if you need terrabytes can significantly bring down the overall rather than gigabytes. Then, of course, price per GB. Indeed, the pair of 1TB there’s the price. At £3,107 Ex VAT, SSDs in our test machine cost a whopping our test machine represents a serious £817 Ex VAT. investment, but swapping out the pair With two DIMM slots, the maximum of 1TB SSDs for a single 256GB SSD will memory of the ThinkPad P1 is 64GB. This bring this down to a much more palatable should be plenty for most CAD users, £2,403 Ex VAT. who are more likely to go with the 32GB Overall, the ThinkPad P1 is an excellent (2 x 16GB DDR4 2666MHz SODIMMs) choice for designers, engineers and that came with our test machine. architects that rely on BIM software plus a Servicing is fairly straightforward if little bit of real-time and ray traced design you want to replace or add an M.2 SSD viz and one we’d wholly recommend.

1

2

1 The keyboard is seamless, so it blends in with the palm rest.

The fingerprint reader to the right uses touch rather than swipe for easier authentication 2 The ThinkPad P1 with the FHD panel is only 18.4mm thick and weighs 1.7kg. With the 4K panel it’s 18.7mm and 1.8kg

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workstation special report

HP ZBook 15u G5 This sleek, entry-level mobile workstation is thin, light and extremely good on price. It’s a great all-round machine for office work and for taking CAD on the road, but don’t expect it to power your way through more demanding workflows Price see text hp.com/zworkstation

The budget end of the mobile workstation market has traditionally delivered larger, heavier machines. But with a thickness of 18.6mm and a starting weight of 1.77kg, the HP ZBook 15u G5 is currently one the most portable out there.

It might lack the finesse of the premium HP ZBook Studio G5, but the build quality is very good. It has a solid feel to it with a CNC-machined LCD cover and an aluminium keyboard deck.

There’s a choice of four FHD (1,920 x 1,080) resolution IPS displays, one of which is touch-enabled, another which features HP SureView Integrated Privacy technology. This is designed to combat what HP describes as ‘visual hacking’ (commonly known as someone else looking at your screen), by significantly reducing the viewing angle at the touch of a button.

Our test machine came with the only 4K option, an anti-glare IPS display. Even though it’s rated at 400 nits, the same as the IGZO panel in the Dell Precision 5530 2-in-1 (see page WS22), it just doesn’t feel as bright and the text not as sharp. However, it’s significantly better

Samsung Portable SSD X5 Samsung’s new Thunderbolt 3 SSD sets the portable drive free from the shackles of USB, writes Greg Corke Price from £189 samsung.com/uk/ssd

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than the TN panels that were optional in the HP ZBook 15u G4.

In terms of connectivity, The HP ZBook 15u G5 is a little light, with only two USB Type A ports and one USB Type C port (USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3.0).

If you have a lot of USB Type A devices, the Type C port can be converted with a simple adapter. Alternatively use the full potential of Thunderbolt 3.0 for highspeed data transfer to an external SSD like the Samsung X5 (see box below) or for plugging in an external GPU. Dual-band Intel Wireless-AC 8265 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 is standard. Despite the thin chassis, the gigabit Ethernet port can accept a full size RJ45 connector thanks to a hinge that springs open. There’s also a single HDMi port to connect to an external display.

The backlit ‘spill resistant’ keyboard comes with a numeric keypad, which is useful for precise input for CAD. The keys have a good amount of travel when typing but there’s a little bit of flex in the centre of the keyboard. The multi-touch touchpad

has just the right amount of friction and there’s also a pointstick.

For security, there’s a fingerprint reader and a 720p HD webcam with IR for face recognition through Windows Hello.

The webcam also has a privacy shutter to physically block it from Internet spies.

There are a whole load of other enterprise security features including: SureStart to protect the BIOS; SureRun to protect against an attacker turning off antivirus; SureRecover, to help nonexperts reimage a system on the go; and SureClick, which puts all web browsing in a container so it will not infect the rest of the machine if an insecure website is visited.

The HP ZBook 15u G5 is exceedingly low-powered. It’s built around the Intel Core i7-8650U CPU, which has a TDP of 15W (most mobile CPUs are rated at 45W). Of course, this means there are some trade-offs when it comes to performance.

The CPU has a base frequency of 1.90GHz and a Turbo of 4.20GHz. This means it’s only really suited to lightly threaded workflows, such as those commonly found in CAD applications. When more cores are put to work in multithreaded workflows, clock speeds are considerably lower than other mobile CPUs. Testing with SolidWorks, for example, which has lots of single-threaded code, it delivered pretty good performance with scores that were not too far behind what one would expect from your average desktop CPU. It did this by maintaining a Turbo of 3.80GHz for the few minutes it took to complete our benchmarks. We had a similar

much more responsive. It’s also enabled true multitasking by being able to read and write multiple files as the same time without the workstation grinding to a halt as the spindle of the hard disk drive’s (HDD) moves into position. But the SSD has also had a huge impact on external storage.

Performance benefits aside, portable SSDs are smaller than HDDs and, because there are no moving parts, much more rugged.

Over the last few years, performance of portable SSDs has been limited by the USB interface. Even with USB 3.1, read/write speeds have peaked around 540MB/sec. But now with Thunderbolt 3, which is widely available in new generation mobile workstations,

peformance of portable SSDs has gone through the roof.

The Samsung SSD X5 is one of the first portable drives to take advantage. It boasts a phenomenal read speed of up to 2,800 MB/s, which on paper is up to 5.2 times faster than portable SATA SSDs and up to 25.5 times faster than external HDDs. Write speeds have also increased, rising to 2,300MB/sec.

The pebble-shaped X5 features a full metal body with a glossy finish and nonslip bottom mat. It’s shock resistant, with Samsung claiming it can withstand accidental drops of up to two metres.

The X5 is a little bit bigger than its USB 3.1 predecessor, the Samsung SSD T5, but it’s

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workstation special report

experience in Autodesk Revit.

But when we tried it out with the multithreaded KeyShot and V-Ray renderers, the clock speed quickly dropped to 2.3GHz on all four CPU cores and it took about 65% longer to render our test scenes than the Dell Precision 5530 2-in-1 (Intel Core i7-8706-G). In short, if you only do rendering occasionally, it’ll do a job, but the performance is pretty poor.

Things become a bit more complex when 3D graphics comes into play. Like most mobile workstations, the ZBook 15u features switchable graphics – the Intel UHD Graphics 620 is used for standard desktop applications and the discreet AMD Radeon Pro WX 3100 GPU kicks in for more demanding 3D applications.

When we used the AMD GPU in short bursts, which is typical of how an engineer or architect would work when 3D modelling, performance was pretty good, particularly considering the WX 3100 is an entry-level professional GPU. In SolidWorks and Revit, we found it did a decent job with small to medium models. However, when the GPU was used for more than a few seconds, the CPU clock speed dropped to 3.2GHz, which had a significant impact on 3D performance. This drop in turbo could be down to the way the machine manages its thermals, as both processors are cooled by a single fan, unlike most mobile workstations, which have dedicated fans for each. Fan noise throughout all of our testing was pretty good and the machine remained very cool.

Like many CAD applications, both SolidWorks and Revit use relatively low GPU resources. They are known

for being CPU-limited. But with more demanding 3D applications, we started to see the limitations of the Radeon Pro WX 3100. In Autodesk Revit Live, for example, a real-time ‘game engine’ viz tool for architects, GPU usage went up to 100%, but frame rates were relatively low. In viz applications like this, one tends to use the GPU for longer periods, so you’ll get the double whammy of a CPU frequency drop.

One benefit of the relatively low power is battery life. The 3-cell, 56 Wh Li-ion polymer may not have the highest capacity on paper.

However, it

still nice and compact. It weighs 150g and is 119 x 62 x 19.7mm in size. It comes with a 45cm Thunderbolt 3 (USB-Type C) cable.

We used a Dell Precision 5530 2-in-1 to test read/write speeds over Thunderbolt 3 with three real-world datasets from Revit, SolidWorks and 3ds Max. The drive came formatted to exFAT so it can work on multiple operating systems, but we reformatted to NTFS as this should give more performance, particularly with small files.

In tests, we found it to be significantly faster than the Samsung SSD T5. The biggest gains came with the biggest files. For example, with 68 large Revit files, totalling 4.6GB, read performance

averaged 1,153MB/sec and write performance 1,147MB/sec. This is about three times faster than the T5 (396MB/sec read and 335MB/sec write).

Our 3ds Max dataset offers more of a mix, comprising 60 large scene files and 4,400 smaller materials, totalling 4.6GB. It averaged 355GB/sec read and 419GB/sec write (compared to 246GB/sec read and 217GB/sec write on the T5).

Finally, with 8.2GB of SolidWorks data, comprising 14,000 relatively small CAD parts and assemblies, speeds averaged 142MB/sec read and 148MB/sec write (compared to the 105MB/sec read and 90MB/sec write on the T5).

The X5 is a worthy successor to

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The ZBook 15u G5 stands out for its ability to charge the battery quickly, which is ■ Intel Core i7-8650U CPU (4 cores) great for a quick coffee stop (1.90GHz - 4.20GHz) or before a flight. It went from ■ 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 memory 0% to 50% charge in 36 mins ■ AMD Radeon and 0% to 90% in 85 mins.

Pro WX 3100 GPU The last 10% seems to take an (2GB GDDR5) eternity, resulting in a total of ■ 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD 2h 24mins for a full charge.

■ 15.6-inch IPS, In terms of memory, our test 100% sRGB, 400nits machine was kitted out with 4K (3,840 x 2,160) display 16GB of DDR4-2400 RAM, ■ 371 (w) x 251 (d) which is really considered x 18.6mm (h) entry level these days. But ■ From 1.77kg the ZBook 15u G5 can go up ■ Microsoft Windows to 32GB for those with more 10 Pro 64 demanding 3D datasets.

■ 3 year (3-3-0) limited warranty and Storage is courtesy of a service offering includes 3 years of single 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD. parts and labour Larger capacity SSDs are available up to 2TB capacity.

However, there is only room for a single drive so, if you do need lots of storage, it will have to be an expensive SSD, rather than a budget HDD.

Product spec

Conclusion

gave us just under 4 hours in the PCMark 8 Creative test (OpenCL) which uses both the CPU and GPU quite extensively, and should last a whole day if only doing light tasks. If you do spend a lot of time on the road, however, consider a FHD panel, as this should draw less power than our 4K display.

The HP ZBook 15u G5 is a decent entrylevel mobile workstation, great as a second machine for CAD on the go. It’s thin, light and well-built and, providing you don’t push it too hard, should deliver good performance in mainstream 3D CAD and BIM workflows. But the best thing about the ZBook 15u G5 is the price.

Unfortunately our test unit, a special SKU, is not available in the UK. However, a 2ZC06EA#ABU SKU with the slightly slower Intel Core i7-8550U (4 cores) (1.80GHz, 4.00GHz Turbo) CPU and a FHD display is currently available from PC World Business for under £1,000 [Ex VAT].

the T5. It’s well-built and is significantly faster, particularly when reading/writing large files. It also boasts AES 256-bit hardware encryption so you can keep your data secure.

But it’s not cheap. The 500GB model costs £189, the 1TB model £380 and the 2TB model £759 (all Ex VAT). But if you need to move files quickly or open data directly from a portable drive, this is a small price to pay.

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workstation special report

Dell Precision 5530 2-in-1 Dell has produced an exceptional machine that offers the power of a mobile workstation and the flexibility of a Wacom pen-powered tablet. The cherry on the top, writes Greg Corke, is that it’s also incredibly thin Price £2,641 Ex VAT dell.co.uk/precision

The mobile workstation 2-in-1, a laptop that doubles up as a tablet, is a relatively new invention, dating back to 2016 and the launch of the Lenovo ThinkPad P40 Yoga.

Lenovo’s flexible Yoga workstation has since been discontinued, leaving HP to take up the mantle with two 2-in-1s: the HP ZBook x2, which is essentially a tablet with a detachable keyboard; and the HP ZBook x360, a laptop with a 360-degree hinge, so the screen can fold back on itself and turn into a tablet.

In the AEC sector, such devices allow architects to start their creative process with a sketch, then continue to develop the design in 3D without having to change devices. The pen and touch-enabled tablet can also be used for marking up drawings or models, or for a more relaxed way to browse documents and websites.

Now, Dell has got in on the act with the Precision 5530 2-in-1. It’s similar to the HP ZBook x360 insofar as it has a 360-degree hinge and features Wacom pen technology. However, it’s notably smaller and lighter.

It’s the slenderness of the 5530 2-in-1 that really catches the eye, as it’s a mere 9mm at the front and 16mm at the rear. This is quite incredible for any mobile workstation, let alone one that has a touch and pen-enabled display powered by Wacom technology.

The secret to this incredibly thin machine is the processor, which is the result of an unlikely collaboration between Intel and its rival AMD. Most mobile workstations feature an Intel CPU with a discrete GPU (either Nvidia Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro).

The Intel ‘Kaby Lake G’ processor in Dell’s 2-in1 is different, in that it combines an Intel CPU with an AMD Radeon Pro GPU on a single piece of silicon. This reduces the physical size and depth of the chip and means Dell’s 2-in-1 can be significantly thinner than an equivalent mobile workstation with a fully independent CPU and GPU. The 5530 2-in-1 is so thin that it doesn’t have space for any USB Type-A ports (only USB Type-C) nor an RJ-45 Ethernet port. Dell includes one USB Type-C to USB Type-A adapter and one USB Type-C to RJ45 adapter in the box.

There are four USB Type-C ports in

total, which can perform multiple roles.

The two on the right side of the machine are USB-C 3.1 and the two on the left are Thunderbolt 3, which is great for connecting up fast external storage or an external GPU. All four ports support DisplayPort, so you can hook the machine up to an external display. All four can also be used for charging with the included slimline 130w Power Adapter.

With only four multipurpose ports, you can quickly run out, but the simplicity of this approach is great and you can always buy a USB hub. It’s also nice to have the flexibility to place your power cable left or right, so it’s always on the side of the plug socket.

The ‘MagLev’ keyboard design also helps reduce the thickness of the machine.

MagLev, derived from magnetic levitation, uses magnets instead of rubber domes to get the keys to bounce back. Typing feels a bit weird to begin with, as the keys have a bit less travel, but you soon get used to it.

The soft-touch keyboard deck shows off the carbon fibre weave construction.

It looks great, but is a little prone to fingerprint marks. The glass surface touchpad feels a tiny bit slippy to begin with, but you soon adjust.

The 15.6” UltraSharp IGZO4 4K (3,840 x 2,160) Infinity edge display is one of the best we’ve ever seen on a mobile workstation. The display is bright, CAD models look incredibly sharp and colours are very vivid. With a very thin border, the screen also goes very close to the edge of the panel. As a result, it feels much smaller than a typical 15.6-inch mobile workstation. As the panel has touch and Wacom pen technology built in, it’s a little bit thicker than a normal display, but this

Laptop alternatives slimline mobile workstations The Dell Precision 5530 may share the same model number as the 5530 2-in-1 and a similar size and weight, but it is a very different beast inside.

It has a separate CPU and GPU and more processing power all round. For the CPU, there’s a choice of quad- or six-

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core models. The top-end Intel Core i9-8950HK not only has six cores for significantly faster rendering, but also a Turbo of 4.8GHz, so it will be faster in single-threaded CAD applications.

With the option of the more powerful Nvidia Quadro P2000 GPU (4GB GDDR5), it’s also better suited to real-time viz.

Finally, it supports both NVMe SSD and 2.5-inch HDD, a combination that gives good performance and a lower cost per GB.

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The HP ZBook Studio G5 has very similar specs to the Dell Precision 5530 – a massive choice of quad-core or six-core CPUs, as well as the powerful Nvidia Quadro P2000 graphics.

HP has put a lot of work into security, with several features including one that protects the BIOS and another that stops the antivirus being turned off in an attack. There’s also a tool to help non-experts reimage the system on the go and a container for web

browsing that will stop the rest of the machine getting infected if an insecure website is visited.

Finally, HP Sure View is a special display technology that dramatically narrows the viewing angle so prying eyes can’t see the screen.

The PNY PrevailPro P4000 stands out from the competition because it has a much more powerful GPU. The Quadro P4000 will not only deliver much better performance for real-time viz or GPU rendering, but can also drive a VR headset.

The Intel Core i7-7700HQ CPU is one generation behind the HP ZBook Studio G5 and Dell Precision 5530. It’s quad-core with a base frequency of 2.8GHz and a Turbo of 3.8GHz, so you won’t get as

good performance in CAD or when rendering. The build quality is also not as good as others, but if you want a really portable mobile workstation with very fast graphics, then it’s hard to beat.

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goes unnoticed as the main body of the machine is so slender.

Dell’s 2-in-1 comes with a HD (720p) webcam and Windows Hello infrared camera, which can be used instead of a password to log into Windows or for other types of authentication. Going against tradition, the camera is at the bottom of the screen, rather than the top, which isn’t always the most flattering angle for video calls. There is also an optional fingerprint reader that is built into the power button.

The machine is currently available with a choice of two processors: the Intel Core i5-8305G (4 cores, 8 threads, 2.80GHz, 3.80GHz Turbo); and the Intel Core i78706G (4 cores, 8 threads, 3.10GHz, 4.10GHz Turbo). Both feature Radeon Pro WX Vega M GL discrete graphics with 4GB of HBM2 memory and Intel HD Graphics 630. The 5530 2-in-1 switches between the two, depending on how demanding the 3D task might be.

S w i t c h i n g worked fine with key applications like Revit, SolidWorks and Autodesk VRED. However, with some of our real-time rendering tests, it chose to go with low powered Intel graphics instead, and we had to go into the Radeon Pro driver to manually assign the executable to the AMD GPU. We couldn’t get this to work with an executable created in AEC viz tool Enscape.

Our machine came with 16GB of 2400MHz DDR4 memory, which should really be considered a minimum for 3D CAD. Frustratingly, memory can’t be

upgraded as it’s soldered on efficient. The battery took 59 Product spec and 16GB is currently the mins to charge from 0 to 50%, maximum you can configure on which is not that fast compared ■ Intel Core i7-8706G processor (4 cores, dell.co.uk. We understand 32GB to the HP ZBook 15u. To go 8 threads) (3.1GHz, 4.1GHz Turbo) with systems will be available soon. from 0 to 100% took 2h 19mins.

Radeon Pro WX Vega Storage is standard fare for M GL graphics (4GB HBM2 memory) Tablet mode a machine like this – a single ■ 16GB DDR4NVMe SSD. Our test unit came With a flexible 360-degree 2400MHz memory with the 1TB model, but there’s hinge, the Precision 5530 ■ 1TB M.2 PCIe a choice of capacities from 2-in-1 can be used in laptop, NVMe Class 40 SSD 128GB all the way up to 2TB. tent or tablet modes. Windows ■ 15.6” UltraSharp UHD IGZO4 Not surprisingly for a machine can be setup to automatically (3,840 x 2,160) Touch this thin, there’s no 2.5-inch switch to tablet mode as soon Wide View LEDbacklit display drive, so kitting it out with highas you pull the screen back on ■ 354 (w) x 235 (d) x capacity storage is expensive. itself. This disables the keys 9-16mm (h) The machine features Intel and trackpad and generally ■ From 2.00kg 8265 802.11ac wireless with makes Windows more touch■ Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Blue-tooth 4.1 as standard. friendly.

■ 1 year Basic Onsite The 6-Cell 75WHr integrated As a laptop, the Precision Service (Minimum battery 5530 2-in-1 is considered slim Warranty), 3 year Basic Onsite Service is OK, and light, but as a 15.6-inch b u t tablet it feels quite heavy and battery life is cumbersome. Holding it in one hand is s i g n i f i c a n t l y possible, but it’s hard to get a decent grip shorter than because of the keyboard and trackpad the ZBook on the back. In short, it’s much better 15u G5, when rested on your lap; this way, you which has also achieve a more natural position for a 15W CPU. sketching.

It lasted 2h The Dell Premium Active Pen 9 mins in the (PN579X) does not come with the base d e m a n d i n g machine and costs around £80 Ex VAT. P C M a r k It’s a really good size and weight and feels 8 ‘Creative’ nice in the hand. The pen is round, but (OpenCL) battery slightly flat on one side with a magnet test which uses inside, which allows it to be stuck firmly both the CPU and GPU to the side of the tablet. On the other side quite heavily. We’d expect it to last of the pen, there’s a barrel button and a significantly longer with mixed office tasks. second button on top. The pen includes In fact, Dell reckons you can get up to 15 all the Wacom goodness, with 4,096 hours of battery life out of it, although we different levels of pressure sensitivity. It’s expect this is with very light workflows powered by a single AAAA battery. and a FHD display, which is more powerThe digital pen worked straight out

2-in-1 alternatives HP Zbook Mobile workstations The HP ZBook x2 was HP’s first 2-in-1 mobile workstation. Unlike Dell’s 2-in-1, it’s essentially a tablet with a detachable keyboard. In tablet mode, this makes it thinner (14.6mm), but even though it has a 14-inch display, rather than a 15.6-inch, it’s not that much smaller. This is because it has two sets of customisable ‘Quick Keys’ on either side of the display.

The Quick Keys are great for productivity, as they can be

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programmed to do tasks usually done by a mouse and keyboard, but they also give more room to grip the tablet off-screen.

The downside of this tablet-first design is the kickstand, which means the ZBook x 2 is not as

stable in laptop mode.

It also has a low-power CPU, so expect reduced rendering performance, and the GPU — an Nvidia Quadro M620 — is not as powerful.

The HP ZBook x360 is very similar to the Dell Precision 5530 2-in-1, in that it’s a laptop with 360-degree hinge, where the screen folds back on itself to go into tablet mode.

It’s not a thin as the Dell and it’s slightly larger and heavier, but it is more powerful. It comes with a choice of quador six-core CPUs, including the top-end Intel Xeon E 2186M (2.90GHz base, 4.80GHz Turbo) so it promises better performance in both single-threaded (CAD) and

multi-threaded (ray trace rendering) workflows.

The performance of the GPU, an Nvidia Quadro P1000, is likely to be fairly similar to the Dell Precision 5530 2-in-1’s AMD Radeon Pro WX Vega M GL.

With two DIMM slots, the ZBook Studio x360 is available now with 32GB of DDR4 ECC SDRAM and 4TB of PCIe storage spread across two NVMe SSDs.

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WX 3100 GPU, but slower than the Lenovo ThinkPad P1, which has an Nvidia Quadro P2000 (Max Q Design).

The Radeon Pro GPU starts to show its limitations in more demanding 3D applications, especially at 4K resolution, which has a big impact on 3D performance.

It would do a job for real-time visualisation, but you’d probably need to dial down the resolution and quality a bit.

Conclusion The Dell Precision 5530 2-in-1 is an exceptional machine that offers the power of a mobile workstation and the flexibility of a tablet. It’s wonderfully slim, the build quality is superb and the 4K panel is one of the best we’ve ever seen.

The combination of quad-core processor and Radeon Pro graphics works well for CAD-centric workflows and thermal management is impressive, with fans that of the box with Autodesk SketchBook, respectively. This was notably slower than are notably quiet for a laptop this thin. responding to tilt and pressure when the ThinkPad P1, which has a six-core There are some minor downsides. The selecting the appropriate pen type. But Intel Xeon E-2176M and took 582 secs and memory is currently limited to 16GB. to get the most out of it, you need to 125 secs respectively.

While this is a good starting point for download the Dell Active Pen Control If rendering is an important part of CAD, it doesn’t give you much room to panel software which lets you customise your workflow, but you also want the grow in the future. Normally this isn’t too the buttons for things like keystrokes functionality of a 2-in-1, the HP ZBook much of an issue, as you can add memory and erase. Capturing keystrokes is really x360 can be configured with quad-core or later if workflows change or applications useful for programming application six-core CPUs. In fact, the top-end six-core become more memory-hungry. However, shortcuts. For example, in Autodesk Intel Xeon E 2186M should also give it a this isn’t possible with the 5530 2-in-1 as SketchBook, assign the letter ‘b’ to one of performance advantage in single-threaded the memory is soldered on. We are told the pen’s buttons so you can 32GB systems are coming. quickly change brush size.

Also, as one might expect, a The top button can machine like this doesn’t come This mobile workstation is wonderfully recognise single press, double cheap. Our test unit comes slim, the build quality is superb, the press and long press. You in at a substantial £2,641 Ex thermal management is impressive and the VAT. You can save £330 by can also set up one button to invoke a radial on-screen 4K panel is one of the best we’ve ever seen going for a 256GB SSD instead menu to get access to eight of 1TB, and another £235 more configurable options, so by going for a FHD display there’s plenty of scope for customisation. workflows, as it has a Turbo of 4.8GHz. instead of the 4K. Pen tip and tilt sensitivity can also be We tested the 5530 2-in-1 for over an It’s a considerable investment whichever controlled through the software. hour, rendering a scene in KeyShot and way you cut it, but if you want a single As far as we could tell, there’s no way to frequency hovered around 3.3GHz - machine that can support your creative save profiles, which is shame as this would 3.4GHz, a little bit above the base 3.1GHz. process from concept all the way to detailed be useful for teams or for quickly setting Impressively, the machine remained very design, at the office or on the road, then it up the pen for different applications/ quiet throughout. The fans did get louder looks like money very well spent. workflows. when using the GPU at the same time in a game engine visualisation application, but The 3D CAD laptop this is really pushing the machine beyond When running 3D CAD in laptop mode, how it would usually be used. the Dell Precision 5530 2-in-1 performed With a typical 3D CAD workflow well. With our SolidWorks IGES export where the GPU is used in fits and test, which uses a single CPU core, it was starts to reposition a model on only a touch slower than a fast desktop screen, fan noise remained relatively workstation. The machine’s Intel Core low, even when all four CPU cores i7-8706G CPU maintained a high clock were being used to render in the speed of 4.0GHz throughout. background.

As the CPU only has four cores, the From our 3D graphics 5530 2-in-1 is not as fast at rendering as tests, the Radeon Pro WX other mobile workstations that can offer Vega M GL looks to be well-suited to CPUs with up to six cores. In our KeyShot mainstream 3D CAD. In SolidWorks 2019 and V-Ray rendering tests, for example, it it was significantly faster than the HP completed our tests in 711 secs and 156 secs ZBook 15u G5, which has a Radeon Pro

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