About this app
Are you a structural engineer or designer who uses Autodesk Revit for building modeling and design? If so, you may be interested in a powerful external application called CSI Link. This plugin allows users to seamlessly transfer analytical models from Revit to CSI SAFE and CSI ETABS for structural analysis. In this review, we will explore the features and benefits of CSI Link, as well as compare the free version with the commercial version, CSI Link plus.
Features of CSI Link
One of the key features of CSI Link is its ability to export various structural elements from Revit to CSI SAFE and CSI ETABS. This includes grids, slabs, walls, columns, beams, bracings, cross-sections, end-releases, loads, load combinations, load cases, boundary conditions, and more. The plugin also allows for the export of custom cross-sections and the generation of design strips, typical floors, and auto-adjustment of the analytical model.
The free version of CSI Link has limitations such as a model size restriction of 100 nodes, while the commercial version, CSI Link plus, offers unlimited model size and additional features like exporting links and more advanced analysis capabilities.
(Image by: Parametric Zoo)
Comparison of CSI Link and CSI Link Plus
Here is a comparison table of the features available in the free version of CSI Link and the commercial version, CSI Link plus:
| Feature | CSI Link | CSI Link Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Export Grids | Yes | Yes |
| Export Slabs | Yes | Yes |
| Export Walls | Yes | Yes |
| Export Columns | Yes | Yes |
| Export Beams and Bracings | Yes | Yes |
| Cross-section mapping | Yes | Yes |
| Export custom cross-sections | Yes | Yes |
| Export column and beam End-Release | Yes | Yes |
| Export Loads | Yes | Yes |
| Export load combination and load cases | Yes | Yes |
| Export Links | No | Yes |
| Export boundary conditions | Yes | Yes |
| Generate design strips | No | Yes |
| Typical floors | No | Yes |
| Auto adjust analytical model | Yes | Yes |
| Model size | Limited to 100 nodes | Unlimited |
(Image by: Parametric Zoo)
Conclusion
CSI Link is a powerful external application for Autodesk Revit that streamlines the process of transferring analytical models to CSI SAFE and CSI ETABS for structural analysis. By eliminating the need for additional modeling work in the target software, users can save time and increase efficiency in their design workflows. The plugin offers a wide range of features, from exporting various structural elements to generating design strips and typical floors. The commercial version, CSI Link plus, provides additional capabilities and unlimited model size, making it a valuable investment for professional users.
If you are a structural engineer or designer looking to enhance your workflow and improve collaboration between Revit and CSI software, we highly recommend trying out CSI Link. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, this plugin has the potential to revolutionize the way you work on structural analysis projects. Give it a try and experience the benefits of seamless data transfer and enhanced analytical capabilities today!
(Image by: Parametric Zoo)
(Image by: Parametric Zoo)
(Image by: Parametric Zoo)
(Image by: Parametric Zoo)
(Image by: Parametric Zoo)
(Image by: Parametric Zoo)
(Image by: Parametric Zoo)
