Introduction:
Relations are an essential tool for establishing relationships between building components or instances. They make it possible to transfer attribute values from one element to another, improving transparency and coordination within the project. An example of such a relation would be assigning the room number as an attribute to a fire detector located within a room volume.
Relations on the big® platform are divided into two main categories:
- Instance-to-Instance: Connections between two instances of a building component.
- Type-to-Type: Connections between two types of a building component.
These relations always include a container (e.g. room) and an object type (e.g. equipment).
1. Function: Relations
Relations are used to establish relationships between instances or types of building components. For example, a fire detector in a room can be linked to the room number, so that this information is automatically transferred to the building component.
The Relations Configuration menu can be accessed via Administration to define new relations or manage existing ones.
2. Creating a Relation
A relation is created by clicking "New Relation Definition". Optionally, you can first enter a description and assign a group to better organize the relation.
- Select the type of relation: You can choose between Instance-to-Instance or Type-to-Type.
- Example: In this case, architectural equipment, such as furniture, is to be assigned a room number.
- Container: The container element in this case is Room.
- Object: The object to which the relation is applied is Equipment.
- Model/DB: Select "Model" to create a geometric relation.
- Collection type: Select the collection type, e.g. "Centroid spatially within object", to take the geome
3. Transferring Values
To transfer attribute values, copy rows must be created for each attribute. This is done using the green plus icon.
- Example: The "Room Number" attribute is to be transferred from the container (room) to the object (equipment).
- Toggle: Activate the "Clear values before re-execution" toggle to ensure that old values from relations that no longer exist are deleted.
4. Transferring Document Links
With the option "Transfer document link to object", you can also transfer documents that are linked to the container (e.g. room) to the object (e.g. equipment). This link is established via systems such as SharePoint, ensuring that all relevant documents are directly connected to the building components.
5. Editing a Relation
An existing relation can be edited at any time. Click the pencil icon to open the Relations Configuration menu. The same menu that was used when initially creating the relation will appear. Here, you can make changes to the relation.
6. Deleting a Relation
If a relation is no longer required, you can delete it by clicking the trash bin icon.
7. Updating a Relation
A relation can be updated at any time using the "Update" button. Executing a relation may take some time, depending on the number of objects and containers to be processed and the number of values to be transferred.
8. Notes
- Tutorial for geometric relations: Further information on the logic of geometric relations and their requirements in the model can be found here.
- Update date: The date of the last complete execution is displayed next to each relation. However, relations updated via the plugin do not automatically receive this date.
- Key point:
- Relations work vertically (with each instance, but only one attribute).
- Formulas, on the other hand, work horizontally (only with attributes from the same instance).
9. Frequently Asked Questions
For further questions or support, please feel free to contact support@build-big.ch by email.
Conclusion:
Relations on the big® platform are a powerful tool for transferring attribute values between building components and establishing relationships. Effective use of relations can significantly improve coordination and transparency within a project. If you need assistance or would like to learn more about relations, please contact our Support team at support@build-big.ch.