For the structural designer working in MicroStation, Geopak Rebar can be quite a powerful add-on program. While the designer works to improve his or her design, Rebar's parametric modeling engine dynamically updates all related reinforcement details, recalculates bar quantities and regenerates bar schedules. 3D models of reinforcement can be created automatically from 2D views to create "Integrated Drawings," a feature popular among clients.

The program even takes care of much of the design work itself. Its predefined Rebar Object Library includes common design elements such as slabs, piers, footings, retaining walls, bridges, stairways, and the like, all of which can be redefined to meet new design criteria. The designer can also add new objects to this library and specify prompts to set the object' parameters upon later retrieval.

The Learning Curve

My experience with GEOPAK Rebar began when I was assigned to work on a bridge design project for a state DOT that had purchased but not yet fully utilized the program. It was a natural opportunity for us to develop the software for the DOT given the scope of this multi-bridge project. Since I'd had over 13 years' solid MicroStation experience laying out bridge reinforcement steel I felt confident I could give it a fair trial.

First I took the 3-day training course offered by GEOPAK. As with any CAD package worth its salt, this one too will demand you take the time to get to know it. The North Miami Beach based GEOPAK headquarters is the only official training ground for Rebar, and all the instructors are practicing civil engineers and surveyors. Courses are offered every month or two, at a cost of $600 per head. The prerequisite is only 2 months' MicroStation experience, but I highly recommend engineers have more MicroStation experience, and that technicians have at least 5 years of experience laying out structural reinforcement before attempting to master this program. Reports I have received are that technicians with too little structural detailing experience don't plan for the whole project; therefore they don't create a complex enough model to benefit the project down the road. Engineers without enough MicroStation experience are burdened with trying to master MicroStation commands and at the same time learn a new program that sometimes requires a good understanding of some of the more complex configurations of MicroStation.