While Bridge is a separate product, the 2018 Top version of Allplan Engineering inherited the modeling kernel from the Bridge division. This is critical.
Allplan 2018 made significant strides in "Open BIM" (a collaborative approach using open standards like IFC) with a major update to its . The initial release featured an optimized IFC4 data export, which allowed users to send all types of BIM model data—including free-form geometry and complex reinforcement—to planning partners without data loss, significantly improving model quality and precision.
This release completely modernized the workspace. The Actionbar groups tools contextually based on your current task (e.g., Architecture, Engineering, Drafting), drastically reducing mouse mileage and search times.
The integration with the Bimplus platform provides a centralized hub for model coordination. Project managers can assign tasks, view models via a web browser, and track project revisions effortlessly, bridging the gap between the design office and the field. allplan+2018+top
Allplan 2018 is packed with exciting new features that cater to the diverse needs of AEC professionals. Some of the key highlights include:
Most BIM software relies on strict vertical levels (Level 1, Level 2). Allplan 2018 Top used a system that was, and remains, more flexible.
The standout feature of Allplan 2018 was undoubtedly the . Before this, managing cross-discipline clashes often meant exporting heavy IFC files. With Reference View, users could link external planning statuses (e.g., an MEP model from a partner firm) directly into their working file as a read-only reference. While Bridge is a separate product, the 2018
The represent a major leap forward for BIM modeling, offering architectural and engineering professionals unprecedented control over IFC4 exports, automated formwork creation, and high-fidelity rendering. Released by the Nemetschek Group, Allplan 2018 focuses heavily on seamless interdisciplinary collaboration and optimized workflows for Building Information Modeling (BIM) projects.
With the model complete, you run the tool. It finds that an HVAC duct (imported via IFC from a MEP engineer) goes through a main beam. You adjust the beam. Simultaneously, Allplan 2018 Top updates the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) . You can export a CSV file listing exactly how many cubic meters of concrete, tons of rebar, and square meters of formwork are required.
In the Allplan vs. Revit debate, Allplan 2018 solidified its reputation as a specialist. Revit is often praised for its architectural flexibility, but Allplan is consistently regarded as the superior tool for precision structural engineering, particularly for complex concrete reinforcement and data management. The 2018 release successfully addressed collaboration with its cloud capabilities and provided a modern, powerful toolset that allowed architects to push creative boundaries and engineers to work with unparalleled accuracy. It stood as a top-tier BIM solution for any firm, especially those deeply involved in complex structural design and those valuing a robust, integrated, and collaborative workflow from design to construction. The initial release featured an optimized IFC4 data
Many small engineering firms are still running Allplan 2018 because they refuse to move to the subscription-based Allplan 2020+ model. The software doesn't phone home every 30 days. It sits on a local server, and it works. For a firm doing repetitive residential or industrial work, upgrading offers zero ROI.
Here is a comprehensive look at the top features and enhancements that make Allplan 2018 a landmark version for AEC professionals. 1. Next-Generation IFC4 Export and Data Management