More Flexibility for Modeling in the Latest Renga Release

«After listening to your interlocutor, try to hear what is worth listening to.»

Maxim Shibanov

This release continues to deliver an important piece of functionality from our Renga Roadmap, which is based on our users' feedback. The latest Renga release comes with new and enhanced features and capabilities: more flexible Filter and Assembly tools, improved work with utility networks thanks to the new ability to replace 'Rout Point' with 'Vertex', new quantities, and further API development.

Read more on the latest Renga Standard and Renga Professional release further down.

Improved Filter tool

'Hide by filter' command for visible objects in 3D view allows users to quickly hide unrequired objects by the specified filter, even if some objects have already been previously hidden. It provides designers with the ability to quickly create filters with a number of conditions, adding more flexibility when working with a 3D building model.

Let's have a look at the improved 'Hide' command, using an example of how this tool was applied previously, and how it will look in the new version. For example, you need to elaborate a garage space for a car, having first hidden the roof with the entire rafter system and one of the garage walls. Let's hide the wall and the roof one by one.

Previously, hiding objects by filter in view where there was already a hidden object occurred as shown in Fig. 1 (a, b).

a)

b)

Figure 1. Hiding model objects using filters and 'Hide' command simultaneously in the latest Renga version

Ultimately, such actions did not lead to the desired results. We can see that when hiding roof elements by filter, the previously applied object visibility settings were reset and a hidden Wall was shown (Fig. 2).

Figure 2. The outcome of hiding model objects using filters and 'Hide' command simultaneously in the latest Renga version

New version enables these filters to operate more flexibly, and expands their capabilities when working with models (Figs. 3 and 4).

a)

b)

Figure 3. Hiding model objects using filters and 'Hide' command simultaneously in the latest Renga version

Figure 4. The outcome of hiding model objects using filters and 'Hide' command simultaneously in the latest Renga version

Our development team also added 'Show objects by filter' command to the 'Show all' command in the current model view. It's worth noting that this feature was one of the most anticipated, according to Renga Roadmap.

Let's have a close look at the new functionality using the example of a residential building project, with architectural, structural and MEP objects already designed. Let's say we need to design holes in the floor slabs to allow for utility lines to be installed. In the previous Renga version, users would have to create an additional filter containing structural and MEP solutions to isolate these objects and then begin the refining process. New Renga version makes it possible to isolate structural solutions (Fig. 5) and show utilities by filter (Fig. 6).

Figure 5. Isolating model objects

Figure 6. Displaying model objects by filter and using 'Isolate' command at the same time

Therefore, we can complete the task without wasting time on creating an additional filter (Fig. 7)

Figure 8. Placing holes for pipeline systems

Watch the video on RuTube and VK Video.

A similar example of the new functionality application can be given when working with industrial facilities (Fig. 9).

a)

b)

Figure 9. Using 'Show by filter' command on a project model designed by Kairos Engineering Company

Adding 'Show by filter' feature allows for more flexible customization of the elements display when working with models, which, in turn, reduces the labor costs and time spent on creating additional filters.

Maintaining the utility route continuity when dividing the route into multiple sections

To make route editing more convenient, our development team has implemented 'Replace with Vertex' command.

Let's look at a hands-on example – we are going to use the new and efficient feature when making changes to a project. Let's assume that we initially installed a pedestal wash basin on the route. However, during the design process, we decided to replace this element with another type of plumbing fixture. Let's use the new functionality to save an existing route.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

A) Place the new route point directly in front of the existing sink base.

B) Connect it to the domestic sewerage system.

C) Remove the object that needs replacing and put a new one in its place.

D) Connect the new wash basin to the domestic sewerage system.

E) Convert the intermediate route point to a vertex and delete it.

Thus, the simplicity of the tool allows maintaining the entire route continuity, quickly integrating new equipment into the project.

Watch the video on RuTube and VK Video.

Improving assemblies in assembly

When working with objects consisting of several component parts, users often have to replace one of these parts. In previous versions of Renga, replacing an assembly within an assembly required deleting the assembly and inserting a new one. Now users can replace one assembly style with another.
Let's take a look at how the new feature for changing the 'Assembly Style' parameter works, using the example of replacing the anchor bolt block 1 with anchor bolt block 2. Fig. 8 shows the assembled foundation with an anchor bolt block 1 inserted into it, which should be replaced with an anchor bolt block 2.

a)

The replacement process is shown in Fig. 10 (b), demonstrating the change in assembly style from anchor bolt block 1 to anchor bolt block 2 directly within the foundation.

b)

Figure 10 (a, b). Changing the 'Assembly Style' parameter for an assembly within an assembly

This new feature will help speed up the process of making project modifications, eliminating additional steps and potential errors.

To enhance the modeling productivity and improve flexibility, Renga development team has added the ability to change the 'Assembly Style' via schedules.

New quantities for pipe and air duct insulation

Our team has added new quantities for pipe and duct insulation, such as 'Outer surface area' and 'Inner surface area'. These quantities automatically generate accurate data to determine the required thermal insulation parameters.

Enhanced API functionality

Renga development team continues working on creating and editing objects in Renga projects via API.

The new API version opens up broad prospects for automating design processes of complex structures thanks to expanded capabilities for working with the main structural elements of buildings. Using API you can automatically design walls, floors, openings, holes, stairs, ramps, railings, rooms, and model hatching. From now on, third-party IT developers and consulting services will be able to create their own plug-ins that will make it easier for users to design structures such as trusses, curtain wall, and various types of foundations.

We also added the ability to specify object type as a string, which allows creating objects using Python and 1C languages.

Download our full trial version of Renga right now and experience all tools and functionality that will lead you to improved project outcomes.

By Maxim Shibanov, Renga Software director of marketing;

Elizaveta Tenyatova, Renga Software marketing manager.

Back to the list