Draft User Guide: Eptar Reinforcement for Archicad 26 Introduction Eptar Reinforcement (often referred to as Eptar) is a specialized Add-On for Graphisoft Archicad designed to streamline the modeling, scheduling, and documentation of reinforcement bars (rebar). It is essential for users who need to generate precise 2D rebar drawings and accurate quantity takeoffs (Bills of Materials) directly within the BIM environment.
Target Audience: Structural engineers, BIM managers, and draftsmen. Compatibility: Fully compatible with Archicad 26 (ensure you have downloaded the version specifically built for AC26).
1. Installation and Setup Before you begin, ensure the Add-On is correctly loaded into Archicad 26.
Download: Obtain the Eptar Reinforcement installer for Archicad 26 from the official Eptar website or your reseller. Install: Run the installer wizard. It typically auto-detects your Archicad installation path. Verification: eptar reinforcement archicad 26
Open Archicad 26. Navigate to Options > Add-On Manager . Ensure "Eptar Reinforcement" appears in the list of loaded Add-Ons.
Location: Once loaded, the Eptar tools usually appear in the Design menu and as a custom Toolbar/Palette .
2. Key Concepts and Interface Eptar does not replace Archicad native tools but enhances them. It creates dedicated "Reinforcement" objects that associate with Archicad structural elements (Columns, Beams, Slabs, Walls). Main Interface Components Draft User Guide: Eptar Reinforcement for Archicad 26
Eptar Toolbar: A floating palette providing quick access to Rebar placement tools. Settings Dialog: Where you define bar diameters, spacing, cover (concrete protection layers), and bending shapes. Rebar Browser: A palette to view, manage, and filter rebars currently placed in the project.
3. Workflow: Modeling Rebar The workflow generally follows this order: Define Settings > Place Rebar > Annotate > Schedule. A. Slab Reinforcement This is the most common use case (meshes, main bars, distribution bars).
Select the Slab tool in Archicad. Open the Eptar Reinforcement settings (usually via a button on the slab settings or the Eptar palette). Define Geometry: Set the layer position (Top/Bottom) and concrete cover. Define Bars: Compatibility: Fully compatible with Archicad 26 (ensure you
Select the steel grade and diameter. Set the spacing (e.g., $\phi$12/150mm).
Placement: