PPG Industries has created a new library of building information and modelling (BIM) files, and that architects and specifiers can now use PPG Glass eVIEW to generate custom BIM files for any conceivable PPG glass configuration. The BIM library, which also is hosted on third-party specification sites such sweets.com and Autodesk Seek contains downloadable REVIT® architectural files with colours and specification data for more than 170 commonly specified PPG glass configurations. Architects and specifiers can use the files to configure customized monolithic or multi-pane insulating glass units (IGUs) combining PPG clear and tinted glasses with SOLARBAN® solar control, low-emissivity (low-E) glasses; SUNGATE® passive low-E glasses; or STARPHIRE® ultra-clear glass. For energy modelling, the files can be individually imported into modelled buildings using Revit file parameters such as ultraviolet (UV) light transmittance, visible light transmittance (VLT), solar heat gain coefficients (SHGCs) and U-values. PPG glass configurations also can be modelled with other building materials and components to forecast the complete aesthetic and functional characteristics of buildings using three-dimensional (3-D) modelling and two-dimensional (2-D) drafting tools. PPG Glass eVIEW is a collection of Web-based tools that enables architects and specifiers to search, construct, view and compare virtual glazing configurations in three dimensions.
