Although Building Information Modeling (BIM) has its roots in the mid 1980s only recently has it risen in popularity within the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries. Due to this significant rise in popularity the AEC industry has created a demand for well trained individuals capable of implementing BIM technology in the work place. In an effort to meet these demands various sources have begun the process of introducing BIM-related resources to help facilitate the adoption of BIM technology. This popular aid of the AEC industry has its roots deep in the mid 1980’s.
In 1986 Graphisoft introduced their first “Virtual Building Solution” known as ArchiCAD (Kmethy, 2008). This revolutionary new software allowed architects to create a virtual, three dimensional (3D) representation of their project instead of the standard two dimensional (2D objects found in competing computer aided design (CAD) programs of the time. This was important because architects and engineers were then able to store large amounts of data sets ‘within’ the building model. These data sets include the building geometry and spatial data as well as the properties and quantities of the components used in the design.
In comparison, designers using standard CAD applications required countless specification sheets in order to convey all the required information pertaining to the project. The creation of a digitally constructed virtual building model, along with its associated data, is known as Building Information Modeling. Building Information Modeling (BIM) can be defined as the creation and use of coordinated, consistent, computable information about a building project in design – parametric information used for design decision making, production of high-quality construction documents, prediction of building performance, cost estimating and construction planning.
Since the BIM software architecture is based on parametric modeling the geometric consistency and integrity of the building model is maintained in spite of any changes or modifications that may have been made to it. Understanding the concept of these parametric objects is key to understanding what a building information model is and how it differs from traditional 2D design. A parametric object consists of a series of geometric definitions and their associated data and rules. In addition, these geometric definitions are integrated non-redundantly and do not allow for inconsistencies between the model and its associated data set. This means that any changes made directly to the model will result in an equal change to the data set associated with the model.
Although BIM technology is still relatively new, initial experiences indicate that the creation of a 3D model with associated information reduces errors of design, improves design quality, shortens construction time, and significantly reduces construction costs (Eastman, 2003). Due to these initial findings the popularity of BIM has grown tremendously in the past decade, and as the popularity of BIM increases so too has the demand for well trained designers and construction managers with proficiency in the use of BIM technology.
