Here’s a review of Advance Concrete by Autodesk (part of the former Autodesk Advance Suite, now largely integrated or replaced by Revit and Robot Structural Analysis):
The detailer opens Revit. Using the Advance Concrete ribbon, they select elements (e.g., a beam). They click "Generate Rebar." The software reads the analysis data and creates the actual 3D rebar instantly. The detailer then modifies hook angles or cover using the Rebar Modifier palette.
In the world of Building Information Modeling (BIM), concrete is the backbone of modern infrastructure. From towering skyscrapers to intricate bridge systems, reinforced concrete requires precise detailing, accurate bar bending schedules, and seamless collaboration between structural engineers and detailers.
When professionals search for "Advance Concrete Autodesk," they are often looking for a bridge—a connection between high-level design and on-the-ground execution. While Autodesk does not currently market a standalone product named exclusively "Advance Concrete," the industry standard that fulfills this role is Autodesk Advance Steel (for steel) and more importantly, the legacy and spiritual successor of Advance Concrete—a software originally developed by GRAITEC and later integrated into the Autodesk ecosystem via Revit and BIM 360.
This article unpacks everything you need to know about Advance Concrete in the context of Autodesk: its history, current alternatives, core features, workflows, and why structural engineers still search for this powerful detailing tool.
If you are a structural engineering firm, a rebar fabricator, or a concrete contractor still working in 2D CAD or manual Excel sheets, the answer is yes. The return on investment for Advance Concrete Autodesk tools typically occurs within the first two projects.
You will reduce:
You will increase:
To get started, visit the Autodesk App Store or GRAITEC’s website. Download the 30-day trial of the PowerPack for Revit. Import a simple concrete beam from Robot, generate your first rebar set, and export a BVBS file. In less than an hour, you will understand why the industry is shifting toward this integrated workflow.
Advance your concrete. Master Autodesk. Build better.
Keywords integrated: Advance Concrete Autodesk, structural detailing, rebar modeling, Revit concrete tools, GRAITEC PowerPack, Autodesk Robot integration, bar bending schedule, BIM for concrete. advance concrete autodesk
Autodesk Advance Concrete was a BIM software dedicated to the modeling and detailing of reinforced concrete structures, built on the AutoCAD platform.
Important Note: Autodesk discontinued Advance Concrete in January 2017, shifting its focus toward Revit for concrete detailing and reinforcement workflows. Getting Started with Advance Concrete
For legacy users or those learning the software, the workflow typically follows these primary steps: Project Setup & Modeling:
Building Grid: Begin by creating a building grid to serve as the structural framework.
Structural Elements: Model 3D objects such as foundations, columns, beams, and slabs directly in 3D space.
User Coordinate System (UCS): Advance Concrete uses a specific Advance UCS to ensure objects are oriented correctly during placement. Reinforcement Detailing:
Sketch Points: Define sketch points to guide the placement of rebar.
Elements: Add reinforcement elements (bars, mesh, stirrups) to the structural members.
Solutions: Apply predefined or custom reinforcement solutions to complete the structural design. Documentation & Outputs:
Shop Drawings: Automatically generate reinforcement drawings and sections from the 3D model. Here’s a review of Advance Concrete by Autodesk
Bill of Quantities (BOQ): Prepare schedules for foundations and columns to assist in bidding and construction. Collaboration:
Master Model: For larger projects, the software supports a multi-user environment where team members connect to a master model to modify local copies. Learning Resources Advance Concrete - Graitec
The legacy of Autodesk Advance Concrete is a story of transformation—from a standalone powerhouse of reinforced concrete detailing to its evolution within the Building Information Modeling (BIM) ecosystem. The Foundation: The AutoCAD Era
In the early days, Advance Concrete was the go-to tool for engineers who lived in the AutoCAD environment but needed more than just 2D lines. It provided a specialized toolkit for:
Rapid 3D Modeling: Converting basic solids into intelligent structural elements like columns, beams, and slabs.
Automated Detailing: Instantly generating construction drawings, bar schedules, and bill of materials directly from a 3D model.
Precision Reinforcement: Tools like the "Dynamic Reinforcement" palette allowed for complex cage modeling that would have taken hours to draw manually. The Shift: The Move to Revit
As the industry shifted toward Building Information Modeling (BIM), Autodesk began integrating these advanced concrete capabilities into Revit. This transition, often called the "2D to BIM Story," focused on:
Connected Workflows: Seamlessly moving data between design and fabrication to reduce rework.
Interoperability: Allowing models to sync between Autodesk Advance Steel and Revit for a holistic view of the structure. The Present Day: Retirement and Legacy System requirements for Autodesk Advance Concrete Step 3: Modeling in Revit The detailer opens Revit
Advance Concrete is a specialized AutoCAD-based software designed for structural engineers and reinforced concrete detailers. While it was once a cornerstone for 3D modeling and automated construction drawings, it is important to note that Autodesk officially discontinued
the product on January 31, 2017. The company has since shifted its focus toward integrating these capabilities into Autodesk Revit to support Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows. Core Capabilities and Features
When it was active, Advance Concrete was recognized for its efficiency in moving projects from initial design to final fabrication. Key features included: 3D Structural Modeling:
A comprehensive library of "smart objects" like slabs, beams, columns, and stairs allowed for rapid 3D modeling within the familiar AutoCAD environment. Automated Reinforcement:
Users could apply reinforcement to structural elements using automated tools, which significantly reduced manual detailing time. Dynamic Drawing Generation:
The software automatically generated sections, elevations, and isometric views from the 3D model. Changes to the model would update all associated drawings and Bill of Materials (BOMs). Interoperability: It featured a bidirectional link with Autodesk Revit
, allowing designers to sync models between the two platforms for better coordination. Microsol Resources The Transition to Revit
Autodesk’s decision to retire Advance Concrete was driven by the industry's move toward BIM-centric workflows
. Modern reinforcement detailing is now handled primarily within , which offers: Microsol Resources Unified Environment:
Unlike the isolated workflow of Advance Concrete, Revit integrates concrete detailing with architectural and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) designs. Advanced Rebar Tools: Recent updates to Revit, such as adaptive rebar propagation
, allow for high-speed modeling of complex reinforcement across entire building structures. Fabrication Readiness:
Revit models now support CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) file generation for precast concrete planar elements through specialized extensions like the Structural Precast Extension Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Current Status and Alternatives Autodesk Advance Concrete - Microsol Resources