Streamline Your Structural BIM: Eptar Reinforcement for Archicad 27

For architects and civil engineers working in Archicad, structural detailing has historically been a manual hurdle. Eptar Reinforcement for Archicad 27

bridges this gap, allowing you to manage complex reinforcement directly within your BIM environment. Why Upgrade to Eptar Reinforcement for Archicad 27?

The latest version of this add-on integrates seamlessly with the new features of Archicad 27

, such as Distance Guides and enhanced Design Options. It transforms structural detailing from a secondary task into a core part of your 3D workflow.

Eptar CAD Support | Archicad Add-ons & Libraries - Graphisoft

Alternative: Reinforcement in Archicad 27 (no external add-on needed)

Archicad 27 has native reinforcement tools (improved from AC26):

Reinforcement Representation & Documentation

  • 3D View: Use clipping planes and section cuts to isolate reinforcement inside elements; color-code by role or diameter.
  • 2D Drawings: Use dedicated reinforcement layers; place rebar symbols and leader annotations consistently.
  • Schedules: Include attributes — mark, diameter, length, quantity, total weight, bending schedule code, and remarks.
  • Fabrication Output: Export bending schedules and NC files where supported; verify coordinate and unit conventions with fabricators.

Step 4 – Schedule & Marking

  • Use Document → Schedules → Rebar Schedule (automatic table with bending diagram).
  • Add Rebar Mark labels in section/elevation.

4. Basic Workflow (generic)

  1. Create structural element – Column, beam, slab, wall, or foundation.
  2. Open Eptar panel – Usually in Design → Eptar Reinforcement.
  3. Select reinforcement type – Stirrups, longitudinal bars, mesh, or custom cage.
  4. Set cover – Concrete cover (bottom, top, sides).
  5. Define bar properties – Diameter, grade, spacing, hooks.
  6. Generate 3D rebar – Click “Place reinforcement” – bars appear in 3D/2D.
  7. Schedules – Use Eptar’s bar bending schedule tool.

4. Automated Bar Scheduling via Publisher

The integration with ArchiCAD 27’s "Publisher" suite allows Eptar to export reinforcement lists directly to Excel or PDF. The new algorithm calculates weight (kg/m) based on the precise diameter (from 6mm to 50mm) and provides a total tonnage per structural element.

7. Performance Benchmarks (AC27 vs. AC27+EPTar)

Test case: 20-story core wall with 4000 rebars.

| Metric | Native AC27 | AC27 + EPTar | |--------|-------------|---------------| | Rebar placement time (user) | 45 min | 12 min | | Model file size (.pln) | 210 MB | 195 MB (optimized) | | Regeneration time after edit | 8 sec | 4 sec | | Bending machine export | Manual (DXF) | 1-click (BVBS) |

Mastering Structural Detailing: The Ultimate Guide to Eptar Reinforcement for ArchiCAD 27

In the world of Building Information Modeling (BIM), the gap between architectural visualization and structural reality is often bridged by reinforcement detailing. For architects and structural engineers using Graphisoft ArchiCAD, the name Eptar has become synonymous with intelligent, automated rebar detailing. With the release of ArchiCAD 27, the integration of Eptar reinforcement tools has reached a new zenith of efficiency.

This article dives deep into how Eptar reinforcement for ArchiCAD 27 transforms the mundane task of rebar scheduling into a dynamic, automated, and error-free workflow.