Database detect settings

SmartPlant 3D (S3D) is able to run a database clash detection service on any S3D project to enable the user to identify issues in their model.

The steps below detail what is required to run the SmartPlant database clash detection with a Point Cloud Manager dataset.

It is assumed that you are familiar with setting up a standard S3D clash detection server and that you already have some projects setup with Point Cloud Manager.

1. Stop the IFC service by performing the following:

   • Navigate to Control Panel > All control Panel Items > Administrative Tools > Services.

   • Turn off SmartPlant 3D Interference Detection Service.

     The S3D Database clash detection is unable to clash point cloud data when it is being run as a standard service. To allow it to clash point cloud data it needs to be run as a process instead.

     

2. Create IFC process batchfile by performing the following:

   • Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Smart3D\FoulCheck\Middle\bin.

   • Create a batch file called IFCStart.bat with the contents IfcNtSvc.exe /Auto /0 and pause.

     

3. Run the IFC process batch file by following the steps below:

   • Run IFCStart.bat as Administrator (this can be set up as a scheduled task if required).

   • If you open the task manager, you should see one instance of the IfcNtSvc.exe *32 running which indicates that the S3D clash detection is ready.

     

4. Configure the Database Clash Setting by following the steps below:

   • Open S3D Project Management.

   • Select [project] > Interference Server > properties.

     

   • Set up the Interference Server Settings as you wish, but ensure that you enable S3D - PointCloud.

     

5. Select Start. After a few moments IfcProcess.exe starts running, and then Point Cloud Manager starts.

   

6. Allow multiple clash detections on one Server (optional).

   • Requirements: AVEVA Point Cloud Manager 4.3.0.31/4.4.0.15 or greater.

     

   • Open Regedit.exe.

   • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\LFM Software\lfmserverAPI.dll\4.4.0.0\IfcProcess.exe.

     

   • Change the CadlinkMultiConnection key to 1. This instructs Point Cloud Manager to allow multiple S3D-LFM pairs so that the several clash detections can be run in parallel.

     

Although there should be no limitation on how many instances of Point Cloud Manager can be run on one machine, be aware that the database clash detection can take a lot of resources, so choose a server appropriate for the amount of projects you wish to run at once.

This last step is only valid if you want to use one server to run the clash detection for multiple S3D projects with Point Cloud Manager dataset.