Today, Mr. Liu from BIM Architecture Network will discuss the differences between Revit and Tekla.
The Revit series supports design changes primarily through model completion and the generation of revised plan view drawings. Its revision function is based on traditional construction drawing annotation methods, where changed areas are highlighted in the plan view using cloud lines. Users can input relevant information such as issue number, date, and description within designated fields. Once the revision is finalized and released, the new version is confirmed. When a new design change arises, the BIM engineer updates the 3D model to replace the old one, then returns to the 2D drawings to create and release a new revision.
However, in 3D viewing mode, Revit does not display cloud lines to indicate design changes. The updated model completely replaces the old one after modifications, and there is no alternative viewing mode to distinguish design changes visually. Revit relies solely on traditional 2D change presentation methods. By creating revised cloud lines and content, the drawing process can be faster than conventional methods. Currently, organizations adopting BIM technology depend heavily on 3D inspections because 3D design offers clear advantages over traditional 2D designs in conveying design concepts and resolving interface conflicts. Inspectors can better understand the final project appearance through 3D views, and they can timely address interface conflicts, especially in complex projects. Unfortunately, Revit’s change management does not leverage the benefits of 3D nor introduce new inspection modes.
Tekla, on the other hand, specializes in structural engineering design. When structural design changes occur, Tekla uses reference models for change management. The reference model feature allows users to adjust display settings to show the new version, the old version, or only the newly added or deleted components within the window. This capability accelerates the identification of changes by visually highlighting modified parts. After changes are finalized, cloud lines are automatically added to relevant plan views, saving users time previously spent on manual comparison and improving the efficiency and smoothness of the change process.
Revit:
1. Automatically manages changes and drawing references.
2. Cloud lines can be specified for change items.
3. Cannot view historical models; only the latest model version is displayed.
4. Utilizes traditional 2D inspection methods.
Tekla:
1. Automatically identifies additions and deletions between new and old versions.
2. Automatically adds cloud lines to relevant views after changes.
3. Generates detailed reports of modified parts for inspector review.
In summary, today’s comparison shows that both BIM tools have distinct strengths. Tekla excels in steel structure design and reinforcement detailing, while Revit is specialized in architectural design and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) configurations. Regarding change management, Tekla leverages steel structure numbering to identify components after changes by comparing numbers before and after modifications, providing difference analysis in report format. Revit employs the traditional method of marking changes with cloud lines on 2D floor plans. The difference lies mainly in how cloud lines are created and managed—Revit’s cloud lines have parameter properties allowing users to specify the revision version, but it lacks 3D visualization of changes and subsequent report tracking functions.
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