BIM Software – a one stop solution for the Architect

BIM is more than just an acronym. For facility managers, Building Information Modeling software can be a powerful new tool to enhance a building’s performance and manage operations more efficiently throughout a building’s life.

What is BIM software? While definitions vary because the concept is still evolving, think of BIM software as a giant database. BIM software is intended to be a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility that forms a reliable basis for decisions during its life cycle, existing from earliest conception to demolition.

That doesn't mean that BIM software is the same as CAD programs. True BIM software encompasses more than a 3D computer-rendered model of the building. In addition to architectural information, the complete BIM contains all of the building’s information, from wall systems, structural systems, HVAC equipment, plumbing fixtures, door and window schedules, and finishes, right down to the manufacturer, supplier, and square footage of every material specified on the project.

The Benefits of BIM Software:

Cost savings are one of the biggest benefits to using BIM software. The majority of the life-cycle cost of a building does not come from the design and construction phase, but from operating the building over 20 to 50 years. Researches have shown that operations and maintenance account for between 60 and 85 percent of total costs of ownership.

For example, in 2004, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), commissioned a study to identify and estimate the efficiency losses in the U.S. capital facilities industry from inadequate interoperability among CAD, engineering, and software systems. The study quantified approximately $15.8 billion in annual costs of inadequate interoperability in the U.S. capital facilities industry in 2002. Of these costs, two-thirds are borne by owners and operators, who incur them predominantly during ongoing facility operation and maintenance. Examples of inefficiencies resulting from inadequate interoperability include manual re-entry of data, duplication of business functions, and the continued reliance on paper-based information management systems.

Here's where BIM software can fix the problem. BIM software can be used as a database throughout the life of the building. It can generate as-built floor plans and elevations for tenant test fits and build-outs. It can recall the paint color of the accent wall in the executive conference room on the 11th floor, for example. Further, it can calculate the square footage of that same accent wall when a new executive comes on board and wants to change its color, so maintenance crews know how much paint is required.

By contrast, when a tenant wants to build out a space, the facility executive typically works from, or perhaps has to track down from the architect, a set of as-built drawings that may or may not be accurate, depending on the building’s age and how many tenants have occupied the space. Even worse, in the absence of as-built, facility executives end up re-drawing the space, wasting time and energy creating what would already have existed had there been a BIM model of the building. As BIM software has advanced, some applications have developed the ability to link relevant portions of the BIM to outside information sources, such as manufacturer specifications.

The History of the BIM and the Success Story Till Date

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.

Navisworks – The 3D modeling software provides real time visualization and save money for pre-construction planning & coordination.

Navisworks is rapidly becoming highly applicable on Building Information Modeling (BIM) projects and offers everyone the opportunity to work together on the best way to modify a building before construction.
Project stakeholders get benefited with “clash-free” project submittals by locating and fixing design errors including clash detection (works with any specified geometry), tolerance checking, design reviews and project co-ordination before the commencement of the actual project.
Project managers are able to visualize designs and accurately models Ù4DÝ and manage project related cost overruns and schedule delays resulting time and money-saving pre-construction planning and coordination.
Navisworks deal with key construction process issues like model aggregation, clash detection, and project Identify interferences before the commencement of actual construction to prevent and reduce costly change orders;Virtually simulate a project and link to your existing project software to accelerate your project schedule; Keep files and models up to date across extended project teams.
Project stakeholders can deliver an integrated project delivery by combining design and construction data together from the very start of a project.
Navisworks collects various informations from designers, engineers and subcontractors and creates a composite model.
NavisWorks also generates a movie or a slideshow of the construction sequence that takes a 3D object and adds the element of time to display in 4D construction visualization all through the build/ decommissioning cycle.
Project stakeholders also apply this tool for Reduction or elimination of Change Orders and RFIs
It could run on a laptop or PC and import 3D data from multiple formats like DWG, DGN and 3ds Max.
The software attributes gravity, and a Ùthird-personÝ for interactive walkthroughs & animations. All animations can be converted to movie format, and viewpoints are saved as still pictures.
All simulations and project views, including model hierarchy, textures and materials that are stored in these files can be distributed, shared and explored in real-time
Combine all designs to review a single virtual model:
Architectural
Structural
Mechanical
Electrical
Plumbing
Fire protection
Civil
Imports Files from a Variety of 3D Software
ArchiCAD
Revit
ADT
Autocad
Microstation
And a variety of industry-standard MEP, piping, fire protection, and electrical software

Posted By
Rajib Dey
Business Development
BIM Modeling Service