Published: October 2024
Reading Time: 8 Minutes
In the world of Building Information Modeling (BIM), precision is everything—especially when it comes to reinforced concrete. For years, architects and structural engineers using Graphisoft ArchiCAD have struggled with the "last mile" problem: how to detail rebar without crashing the software or spending hours on manual 2D drafting.
Enter EPTAR Reinforcement. With the release of ArchiCAD 27, EPTAR has rolled out a massive update that fundamentally changes how users handle reinforcing bar (rebar) detailing.
If you are still using the native ArchiCAD rebar tools or an outdated version of EPTAR, here is why the EPTAR Reinforcement for ArchiCAD 27 update is a non-negotiable upgrade for your firm. eptar reinforcement for archicad 27 updated
The Eptar Reinforcement for Archicad 27 updated version follows a typical annual subscription model for Archicad add-ons:
Always check the official Eptar partner portal for regional pricing variations (e.g., USD, GBP).
Options > Add-On Manager > EPTAR and click "Load."The developers have hinted at a mid-cycle update (Eptar 27.5) planned for Q2 2025. Expected features include: Mastering Structural Workflows: The Complete Guide to EPTAR
If you are using the Eptar Reinforcement for Archicad 27 updated version, you will receive these as a free update within your subscription.
One of the most visible changes is the UI. The previous Eptar version operated via a floating panel. The updated version now docks seamlessly within Archicad 27’s new Palette System. You can now access Eptar commands directly from the context menu of a reinforced element.
Archicad 27 introduced better handling of complex composite structures (e.g., beams with integrated thermal breaks). The updated Eptar now reads composite layer structures natively, automatically adjusting cover distance based on the layer name (e.g., "fire protection" vs. "structural concrete"). Pricing and Upgrade Policy The Eptar Reinforcement for
For years, structural engineers using Archicad faced a dilemma: Archicad was excellent for architectural design but lacked deep, native tools for complex reinforcement. Eptar filled that gap.
With the Archicad 27 update, the workflow becomes bi-directional. Instead of exporting to specialized structural software for detailing and re-importing, engineers can perform the bulk of their reinforcement design within the native Archicad environment. This reduces the risk of data loss during file transfers and ensures that the structural model is always synchronized with the architectural model.
If you’ve worked with heavy reinforcement models in Archicad, you know the dread of a spinning beach ball. Eptar for Archicad 27 includes a reworked display engine that only fully renders rebar when needed. In navigation or section views, rebars appear as simplified wireframes until zoomed in.
The difference? Smoother orbiting, faster section cuts, and less “Why is my model frozen?” moments.