BIM or not BIM with Sketchup?

Extensions
1

BIM is not just software — it’s a process, and it’s information.

What truly matters are the “I” and the “M”: the Model Information.

Today, with the ISNUPNO Kit Rebar and the ISNUPNO Kit Plan2D, I can turn SketchUp models into real sources of BIM information.

:triangular_ruler: Layouts, projections, and BBS (Bar Bending Schedule)
:bar_chart: Rebar data and easy‑to‑access quantity takeoffs
:gear: Fast, simple, and integrated tools

All of this without relying on heavy or complex software.

If the goal is to obtain useful information directly inside the model, then yes — that is BIM! :light_bulb:

:speech_balloon: What do you think?

plan2D_03_reddit
plan2D_03_reddit1327×990 192 KB

plan2D_02_reddit
plan2D_02_reddit1323×987 189 KB

plan2D_01_reddit
plan2D_01_reddit1237×985 170 KB

2

I think that the images above show 2D views and a data table that belong in a LayOut document.

2 Likes
3

You’re right — those 2D views and the data table will eventually go into a LayOut document. I agree with you on that.
What I’m showing here is just the part where the information is generated directly inside SketchUp before being sent to LayOut

2 Likes
4

Here is the idea in this example:

https://youtu.be/Dd4OScsA3xw?si=FqGqq62rb4DKk_S3

5

I do not see the worth of generating 2D geometry in a 3D model. It’s just creating filesize bloat.

I would suggest your extension create scene pages and orient the camera for the elevation views. Then the scene pages can be used as LayOut viewports.

3 Likes
6

Interesting. Do you mean creating the 2D planes directly in the real model, exactly at the location of the cut/projection? → add 3 scenes.

I understand your point of view, but if I rely only on scenes, I lose the ability to add dimensions to those 2D elements and to generate the quantity list from the 3D model. Obviously it depends on each person’s workflow and objectives, but when working with 3D reinforcement bars, for example, I want a quick way to prepare the drawings for LayOut. For now, this is the idea I’m studying.

7

Try to export your model with those 2D info to IFC. You will see that it is no longer a BIM model. 2D information is for the drawings.
Anyway, all that 2D information is automatically generated by the calculation software, doing it again in SketchUp would be working 2 times. You can link it directly together with your model in Trimble Connect and that is working in BIM

8

Yes. Create a Scene page for the 2D elevation section. Orient the camera as parallel projection viewing the front. Cut the 3D model with a section plane. Update the new scene page.

I would not think so. The dimensions can be added in LayOut’s paperspace.

9

I get the idea but that is not useful for a BIM workflow. You’re extracting the information on the same model space as a 2D text, it would be better if all that information could be extracted to an spreadsheet and create the dimensions like 5D plugin does it.