What is BIM, Not BIM, BIM software and What are they?
The well-established acronym BIM stands for Building Information Modelling in the AECO industry and its scope is extensive in present as well as in future. There were many countries already that implemented, seen and experienced the impact of BIM. Of Course, developed countries have already done most of the research and benefited as well as they did BIM as mandatory for the projects.
Professionals and researchers have shown interest in BIM and have been developing definite standards such as ways to complete the projects within targets.
What is BIM?
As we see nowadays over the internet and everywhere BIM is a very large topic on which numerous books and countless papers have been written and which is the subject of many regular professional conferences.
In the previous article titled “The Evolution Of Building Information Modeling (BIM),” we have seen the various definitions of BIM and how it evolved over a period of time. So now we are not going to study the definitions but we are going to look into the industry experts view on BIM.
“As you can tell by many of the answers here, BIM is very heavily hyped!
It is not software. It is a modern approach to collaborative construction which is based on advanced software to create a central ‘intelligent’ integrated building model which is shared by all disciplines. Each discipline contributes its own information to the model. Data from other disciplines is referenced and regularly updated to ensure consistency. The model can be interrogated to extract data for a whole range of purposes.
“It’s different from 3d modeling in that everything lives in a single central model. All the schedules, quantities and drawings are derived from it, and specifications are linked to it. Furthermore, it is intended to be used for energy calculations and for maintenance post-completion.”
“If I could summarize it into one word I would say that Building Information Modeling is all about Information, it makes information readily available to all stakeholders through a digital medium, which increases the collaboration and productivity of all stakeholders (Construction is multidisciplinary) and reduces waste.
The BIM process integrates different disciplines and allows for easier interaction between Designers, Structural Engineers, MEP Engineers, Estimators, Facilities Management, Manufacturers and Clients.”
The list of different views, opinions and goes on.
What is NOT BIM
Not a program. In general, it is NOT a piece of software. In particular, it is NOT Revit, nor ArchiCAD, VectorWorks or Microstation. While Revit and these other programs are certainly capable BIM-Aiding Tools, there is no guarantee that a user is actually performing Information or Intelligence Modeling while using any of these programs.
Note: This article was prepared by keeping students and freshers in view, so we are not going to talk anything in terms of business and market such as Return on investment, either suitable to small scale projects, companies or not etc. We are purely focussing on creating true awareness and knowledge..
Some Myths About BIM
Most people, especially students, have the misconception that BIM is more about 3D modeling software and if we know how to do modeling then that is BIM. But that is not true.
BIM is not just a 3D model, not software, not a visualization tool, not just a rendering tool and it is not just a replacement of CAD 2D with 3D. It is more than that.
One of the most common myths about BIM is “BIM is way too complex”. This is incorrect. BIM is not at all complicated, it needs proper training and education though. There are many online courses, tutorial videos and free resources available. BIM providing companies also provide short and extensive training with monthly updates to break down the complexities as simple as possible.
BIM Software and software’s in the market
The BIM software can be anything useful for 3D design, modeling, coordination, collaboration, review
and information management etc. Any software that can help to optimize the work of designing for architecture, construction, civil, and MEP projects (in the view of the construction industry).
In the market, there are multiple software’s which are useful to implement BIM such as some Authoring, Collaboration and Viewing tools.
Such as,
Authoring Softwares
- REVIT (Autodesk)
- ARCHICAD (Graphisoft)
- Allplan (Nemetschek)
- AECOSIM
- Vectorworks
- Rhino
- Catia
- Solidwork
Collaboration Softwares
- BIM 360
- Trimble Connect
- Allplan bimplus
- BIMsight
- dRofus
- BIMx
- BIM Sight
- Dalux etc
Not only, there are many around the world but these are attracting the people in the industry.
For the more benefit of several and individual disciplines also there are software, such as
ARCHITECTURAL
- Autodesk Revit Architecture
- Bentley Architecture
- Nemetschek Architecture
- Vectorworks Architecture
- Rhino BIM (BETA)
- Graphisoft ArchiCAD
- Softtech spirit
STRUCTURAL
Autodesk Revit structure
Autodesk Robot structural analysis
Tekla structures
Bentley RAM, Steel , STAAD and Pro steel
Bentley structural modeler
Graitec advance design
Structure soft metal wood framer
MEP
Autodesk Revit MEP
CAD MEP
Bentley Hevacomp Mechanical Designer
Gehry technologies
SUSTAINABILITY
- Autodesk Green building studio
- Autodesk Ecotect analysis
- Bentley Hevacomp
- Bentley Tas simulator
- Graphisoft ecodesigner
- Design builder
- IES solutions Virtual Environment VE-PO
FACILITY MANAGEMENT
FM: Systems FM: Interact
Bentley facilities
Eco Domus
Onuma system
Vintocon ArchiFM
ESTIMATING and SIMULATION
- Autodesk Navisworks
- Bentley constructSim
- Synchro professional
- Tekla BIMSight
- Solibri model checker
- Glue (by horizontal systems)
- Innovaya
- Vico office suite
- Vela field BIM
The list goes on…
