BIM Building Information Modeling 1 - (Page 4)

3 Key Concepts of BIM Although BIM has far-reaching implications and can be complex and sophisticated in some of the ways it is being implemented, most of the important benefits can be traced back to three fundamental concepts: 1. Database instead of drawings 2. Not a single BIM 3. Tools + Process = Value of BIM Database As I referred to earlier, 2-dimensional drawings are still the typical way in which design information is conveyed. New iterations of drawings are produced continuously throughout the design process by each of the design professional disciplines and are distributed for interpretation to a wide variety of individuals, some of whom generate additional new special-purpose drawings (e.g. shop drawings). This proliferation of design documents often creates version control problems among the fragments of the project team and can be traced as a root cause of much of the poor coordination and inefficiency of the overall design and construction process. In contrast, a Building Information Model is not “drawn” by this standard process. It is composed of intelligent objects that carry their physical and functional characteristics in them as data. So a wall object knows its dimensions and the products and materials of which the designer intends it to be constructed. It is actually small database containing relevant geometric and non-graph- ical information about itself that, when combined with all the other elements from which the BIM is composed, represent all the physical and functional characteristics of the overall project. In this BIM approach, the project is a database rather than a series of lines, arcs and text on multiple drawings and associated documents (e.g. specifications, cut sheets, etc). Once information about the project is entered into a modeling software database, it can be used to create plans, elevations, sections, details, perspectives, renderings, animations, simulations, lists, analysis and a growing number of other extremely useful functions that previously relied on human interaction with documents to visually extract information in order to perform these valuable activities; an example of what was referred to earlier as the traditional “silo” approach. In a database format, the physical and functional characteristics of a project become “digitally nimble”, able to make themselves available to numerous electronic tools to perform valuable processes. Importantly, they are also closer representations of the truth of a project rather than drawn abstractions created to serve a paper-based distribution process, which require interpretation to extract the nuggets of truth and put them to functional use. Not a Single BIM In theory, it would be most efficient to create one single, central model of a project where everyone would create their aspect of the design, perform their necessary analyses and continually update so that all parties had the most current version Enabling applications extract data from design models and provide valuable analysis and simulation. Images: Burt Hill, University Mechanical of Arizona, Ryan Homes, View By View, Beck Group, Turner Construction, IES 4 BIM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of BIM Building Information Projects No 1

Cover How Building Information Modeling (BIM) is Dramatically Transforming the Design, Building and Operation of Projects An Interview with a Local AGC Chapter on Its Nationwide BIM Training and Validation Program Launch BIM - more than just a clash detection tool A Contractor Tells How They Made BIM Work for Their Firm BIM’S Sixth Dimension: RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY ALLOCATION Experiencing the Benefits of a New Tool AIA Member Perspectives on BIM Thoughts From a Digital Imaging Firm

BIM Building Information Projects No 1

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