BIM, Integrated Design, IPD, 3D Modeling, VDC, Autodesk® Revit® and Autodesk® Navisworks…what does it all mean? |
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By Tracy Fisher, Hagerman & Company, Inc.
Let’s start by defining Building Information Modeling or BIM. Building Information Modeling is the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle. Typically it uses three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic building modeling software to increase productivity in building design and construction. The process produces the building information model, which encompasses building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and quantities and properties of building components (1). The information needs to be coordinated, digital design information and documentation that is used from conception of a project throughout construction and the lifecycle of the building.
Why is BIM important and what caused the phrase to be coined? BIM has been used in construction in some form or fashion for many years. We’ve just never formally defined it. The change to a more coordinated or integrated design is leading the way for a BIM workflow. Integrated design is a collaborative method for designing buildings which emphasizes the development of a holistic design (1). In other words, integrated design is all members of a project working together in a coordinated and collaborative way from the beginning of a project through completion. Another aspect of integrated design is Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), which is integrated design with contracts backing up the workflow and accountability.
Integrated design is a process that involves all the key team members, including the contractors, early on in the project. The team collaborates digitally and checks for collisions between trades regularly. All decisions are based on what’s best for the project, not what’s best for each individual contributor. This process is based on trust and sharing and uses 3D models to keep everyone in synch.
3D models are a mathematical, wireframe representation of any three-dimensional object via specialized software (1). These models are then used for Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). VDC is a process used by many firms to integrate and digitally construct the 3D model(s) prior to actual construction. This process also includes the use of construction scheduling and estimating.
Ok, now that we’ve established the terms involved, why do we need all this? Bottom line is to create a more coordinated and consistent project in a shorter time frame in a more cost effective manner. A BIM workflow also decreases the number of changes on a project once construction begins. This is accomplished by comparing all the project models for interferences prior to and throughout construction. The ability to see the model in three dimensions allows everyone to have a more complete understanding of the project. The information used for the construction of a project can then be used by the owner for facility management of the building throughout its life cycle.
A BIM workflow allows other advantages over that of a traditional workflow. A traditional workflow spends the majority of time creating construction documents. Once the documents are created, changes are costly and difficult to manage. A BIM workflow allows more time designing and allows better collaboration further into the project, which in turn keeps the costs of the project lower. See figure 1.
Traditional vs. BIM workflow
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| Published 2009-05-11 00:00:00 |
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