Allplan+2018+top -
For structural engineers, this was the headline act. Allplan 2018 Top automated the placement of rebar in complex concrete structures. The Parametric Rebar Shape Manager allowed users to store national standards (DIN, ACI, BS) and apply them to any 3D geometry. You could generate bending schedules automatically, link them to CNC bending machines, and visualize every rebar intersection in 3D—preventing on-site clashes before they happened.
In 2018, Allplan was widely regarded as “BIM for engineers who draft.” Its top differentiators versus competitors:
| vs. Revit | Allplan 2018 wins on reinforcement detailing, 2D CAD speed, and file‑based version control (no cloud dependency). | | vs. ArchiCAD | Allplan 2018 wins on structural integration and quantity takeoff out‑of‑the‑box. | | vs. Tekla Structures | Allplan 2018 is more accessible to architectural firms and offers better render quality. | allplan+2018+top
The search volume for "Allplan 2018 Top" indicates a very specific user: the veteran civil engineer or architect who values stability over novelty. While you lose modern AI and cloud agility, you gain a perpetual license (no monthly fees), a mature codebase (no unexpected crashes), and hardware flexibility (runs on a $500 used workstation).
For structural engineering offices that focus on reinforced concrete infrastructure—bridges, tunnels, hydroelectric plants—the 2018 Top edition remains a viable production tool. It handles the "big three" (modeling, reinforcement, drawings) without the distraction of cloud notifications or subscription anxiety. For structural engineers, this was the headline act
Final Recommendation: If you own a license of Allplan 2018 Top, do not upgrade until you absolutely need IFC 4.3. If you are learning it for a portfolio, master the Parametric Rebar Array and Freeform Shell workflows—those skills transfer directly to the 2024 version.
Search Summary: For users looking for high-end BIM performance, offline functionality, and robust concrete detailing, Allplan 2018 Top is not legacy software; it is a proven benchmark. Have a specific question about migration from Allplan
Have a specific question about migration from Allplan 2018 Top to a newer build? Leave a comment on our forum or check the official Nemetschek archive documentation.
Allplan 2018 introduces a refined parametric component system. Key capabilities:
Top Advantage: True flexibility for renovation projects and design competitions.
