0.2 Sandbox Video Series

Available with the following Subscriptions: Premium, Enterprise, All Subscriptions
Available for the following Roles: All roles, Editor, Manager, Admin

The Sandbox project is a completed project set up by the cmBuilder team to serve as a learning resource for users to open, explore, and edit. You may request a copy for free for your learning needs. The Sandbox project comes pre-loaded with examples of typical inputs for user convenience so there is no need to worry about obtaining a model, drawings, or schedule for practice purposes. 

There is also a follow-along style, 3-part video series based on the same project; designed to teach users how to create a complete site simulation using a copy of the project. The series covers creating a project, duplicating a scenario, importing drawings, schedules and BIM Models, as well as sequencing/scheduling 3D models, before demonstrating how to generate a final presentation. 

This article contains the following sections:

• What is included in the Sandbox Project
• Request a copy of the Sandbox Project
• Sandbox Tutorial Video Series
  • Part 1 - Introduction 
  • Part 2 - Tower Logistics & Construction Planning
  • Part 3 - Presentation & Exports

What is included in the Sandbox Project

The Sandbox project contains example data for many of the most common project inputs that you will likely use on your own projects. The elements included in the Sandbox project are listed below along with links to additional information explaining how you can bring in similar data to your own projects in the future. 

1. Structural Model (IFC Model) (1)
2. Architectural Model (IFC Model) (2)
3. PDF site logistics plan drawing (3)
4. MPP schedule file for import (4)
5. Construction Resources (cmBuilder Resource Library) (5)
6. Earthworks phasing (cmBuilder Excavation) (6) 
7. Extended Map (7)

Request a copy of the Sandbox Project

The Sandbox project is added to your account by request: please reach out via a general support ticket or the chat to request that it be added to your company's space. 

• We first recommend searching your Active and Archive projects for "Sandbox" in case your company space already has a copy. 
• Before requesting a copy please ensure you have space for one more active project and mention this in your request. The Sandbox project is included in your active project count; but it can be archive at anytime when not needed. 

Sandbox Project Video Series

See below the three videos included in the series, as well as a list of sections/topics covered in each video with links to relevant support materials. 

Part 1 - Introduction 

This tutorial serves as an introduction to cmBuilder, explaining the difference between Active and Archived Projects, how to create a project and Project settings, roles and Scenarios. This video does not cover any tools inside of a Scenario, those are covered in Part 2.

Topics covered in this video include:

2:20 Active VS Archived Projects 

Access your projects from the company homepage. Active projects represent ongoing work and can be opened to continue progress. Archived projects are moved to a separate tab, become view-only, and can be restored back to active when needed. More information on these topics can be found on the Archiving Project user guide.

3:30 Create a Project 

Create a new project from the homepage by entering basic details such as name, status, and type, followed by setting up a 3D map tile. Each project is built on a selected map and can contain multiple scenarios for planning and simulation. More information on this topic can be found on the Create a Project user guide

7:40 Project Overview & Project settings 

Access key project details and manage settings from the Project Overview page. View project information, manage scenarios, and explore project-level options such as documents, coordinate systems, roles, and shared links. More information on this topic can be found on the Project Setting section and Projects user guide.

Part 2 - Tower Logistics & Construction Planning

This tutorial focuses on the tools within the Sandbox "Duplicate Me" Scenario. Users will learn how to duplicate a Scenario, use the 3D navigation controls, import and scale a Drawing, place Resources, import Project Schedules to create Milestones, import 3D BIM Models, and sequence construction activities. The tutorial also demonstrates accurate excavation planning using the Earthwork Operations tools—Cut, Fill, and Ramps—as well as how to add shoring Resources. It concludes with creating Annotations such as Labels, Callouts, and Zones.

Topics covered in this video include:

2:00 Duplicate "Duplicate Me" Scenario 

To maintain the original Sandbox scenario for future use by others in you organization, it is highly recommended that you duplicate the scenario for your own use. More on how to duplicate a scenario can be found on the Create Scenario user guide.

4:20 Become Familiar With The User Interface and Navigation Controls 

Once inside a scenario you will be launched into the Site Plan and will need to learn the interface and how to navigate the 3D space. More information on these topics can be found on the Site Plan  user guide.

18:00 Using Drawing Overlay 

Bringing 2D drawings into your site plan is great place to start your 4D site planning journey. Your duplicated Sandbox scenario will come with a drawing that is ready for you to scale and position. Instructions on how to scale and position a drawing can be found on the Drawing Overlay user guide.

24:30 Inserting and Positioning Resources 

cmBuilder users have access to our library of over 2000 resource models. The Sandbox project makes use of fencing, tower crane and concrete pumping resources among others. Resources are meant to be placed in site plans to communicate and validate construction plans. For more information on the types of resource and how to use them in your site plan visit the Resource Placement user guide.

42:20 Importing a Schedule 

The Sandbox project is preloaded with a schedule outlining the build sequence, giving users an opportunity to import the schedule and create milestones in bulk. Milestones are used to capture key events in the construction process such as excavations, equipment placements and build progress. More information can be found on the Import Schedule user guide. 

1:01:30Importing and Positioning 3D Models 

The Sandbox project, comes preloaded with structural and architectural BIM models. These models will need to be positioned in 3D space. Detailed information on this can be found in the Position 3D models section of the BIM and Scan Models user guide.

1:06:20 Sequencing 3D Models

Communicating the build sequence is accomplished by associating specific parts of a BIM model to Milestones in cmBuilder. Both a schedule and a BIM model are provided in the Sandbox scenario for users to try for themselves. Visit the Sequence BIM Models user guide to learn more about this process.

1:32:20 Using Excavation Operations 

Excavation operations used in the Sandbox project include Cut and Positive Ramp. Learn more about these and other excavation operation types in the Excavation  user guide.

1:48:00 Annotations

Use annotations such as labels and zones to add context and highlight key areas within your site plan. Labels can be placed to identify locations, while zones can be used to mark, highlight, or visually modify specific areas. 

Part 3 - Presentation & Export

This tutorial concludes the cmBuilder sandbox series. It covers the Presentation Timeline feature and how to create Slides. Before detailing the various export options: Share Links, simulation Video Export, and Resource Quantity Takeoffs.

Topics covered in this video include:

1:00 Presentation Timeline & Slides 

cmBuilder has a variety of tools as part of the Presentation & Slides feature to help users easily create powerful presentation content from their site plan. The Sandbox project is a great place for users to try using the tools in this feature like camera angles, callouts, dimensions and more. For more information on the range of tools and how to use them check out the following support articles: Create a Presentation, Presentation Settings, Markups. 

23:50 Export Options 

There are a variety of output formats available to share from your site plan such as: sharing a live link link, still images, slides and videos. To learn more about these options visit the Share and Export section of our support guide.