WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF BIM, LATEST

SOFTWARES, NEED FOR STUDY AND APPLICABILITY

OF ADVANCE SOFTWARE TOOLS?

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Uses 3D models to
capture, explore, and
maintain consistent
and coordinated
planning, design,
construction, and
operational data

Provides greater
project insight for
cost, schedule, and
constructability

Uses and shares

the same consistent
data whether youre
at your desk or in
the field

Enables prompt
response to change
with processes that
are smarter and
faster

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been defined as the act of

creating an electronic model of a facility for the purpose of visualization,
engineering analysis, conflict analysis, cost engineering, as-built product,
budgeting and many other purposes.
BIM is described as:
a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a
facility. As such it serves as a shared knowledge resource for information
about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle
from inception onward.
OR
a method of applying Building Information Modeling during a facilitys
lifecycle to achieve one or more specific objectives.
BIM is a documentation tool, replacing legacy drafting procedures.
It also a technology for collaboration, an integration tool for our fragmented
and specialized building industry and a vehicle for an IPD Team to pool its
intellectual capital.

BIM is a Methodology
BIM is a methodology of
gathering and maintaining
information about a building
for quick decision making
throughout the life cycle or
facility cycle of the building.

Evolution of BIM
Vector CAD:
The first generations of CAD represented buildings with geometryvector
based lines, arcs and circles.
A CAD drawing was easy to modify and replicate.
It also provided greater precision than pencil on paper.
But it was dumb: lines drawn with a computer instead of a pencil.
Object CAD:
Smart objects with properties were added. Objects like windows, doors,
walls, roofs or stairs had properties that governed their behavior.
A window could be pulled from a resource file into a drawing and stretched to
fit the required opening. As it was stretched, the panes would grow but the jamb
section would not. A user could associate information to the object such as the
supplier, part numbers, the finish, the warranty and so on.
BIM:
From that point, it was a logical step to envision an entire building as a smart
object with endless possibilities for algorithms that govern its behavior and
associated information. BIM emerged.

BIM Tool
Autodesk
Revit
Autocad
Navisworks

Graphisoft
Archicad

Bently
Bently Arcitecture
RAM Steel

Onuma
OPS

Google
Sketchup

BIM Focus

Communication

Facility Cycle

Facility Cycle

BIM Characteristics
A BIM model is a digital description of a project.
It may include information such as the physical configuration, programmatic
requirements, functional characteristics, specifications, systems performance,
supply chain threads, construction sequence, cost or any other information that
might be useful.
Plug-ins: Specialized software may be plugged in with algorithms that can
adjust related building systems if there is a design change.
These plug ins can include programs for structural and mechanical design.
For instance, if a room is enlarged, the size of the structural members can be
automatically recalculated and resized. The model adjusts itself. If the building is
rotated on the site, the heat gain and loss may be recalculated. Other plug-ins
may focus on energy analysis, LEED certification, cost estimating or
construction scheduling.
Reports: BIM is not drafting software; but is a database.
Drawings are simply one form of report.

A BIM model can produce reportssubsets of information for special

purposes. These reports can be in the form of 2D or 3D drawings or an infinite
variety of custom alphanumeric reports.
The IPD (Integrated project delivery) team can tailor reports for specific
purposes instead of grappling with a large set of 30 x 40 construction drawings
and a fat set of specifications that obscures required information.
Integrated project delivery (IPD), is a collaborative alliance of people,
systems, business structures and practices into a process that harnesses the
talents and insights of all participants to optimize project results, increase value
to the owner, reduce waste, and maximize efficiency through all phases of
design, fabrication, and construction
Assembly details can be produced on site for current construction challenges.
Facility managers may access life-cycle, maintenance and replacement
information.
4D and 5D models: BIM can have sequence and construction duration
information attached to drawing elements that represent the building systems
(4D modeling).

Integrated Project Delivery

er
gn

C on

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De

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O

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t or

A computer program can animate construction progression. A user can input a

date to observe current state of completion.
The builder can analyze on-site material staging problems, develop phasing
plans, improve the sequencing of trade contractors or analyze the cost of
construction delays. Cost can also be attached to drawing elements that
represent building systems (5D modeling) for estimating and value engineering.
The estimate can progress in lockstep with design.

Clash Detection: Conflicts are often caused when a building system

designed by one consultant interferes with a system designed by another
consultant on separate drawings.
For instance, if a lighting consultant locates recessed light fixtures on an
architectural reflected ceiling plan without checking beam locations on structural
drawings, the recessed can /may poke into a beam. And we have all
experienced a mechanical engineer plotting duct runs that pass through the
structural engineers beams.
BIM software provides sophisticated clash detection routines that indicate
when two systems or products occupy the same space

BUILDING INFORMATION
MODELLING

Direct fabrication control: Traditionally, fabricators develop shop drawings

based on their interpretation of the plans and specifications. They are checked
by the Architects/Engineers.
Errors occur at each translation. By pasting shop drawings directly into the
BIM model, errors and conflicts are more apt to be detected.
Ultimately, a BIM model may include algorithms for CNC direct fabrication of
building systems, such as ductwork, curtain wall, millwork.
While there are still opportunities for error in these automated processes, they
are reduced and often eliminated. Precision is increased and supply chain
workflow is shortened.
Facilities Management: An integrated BIM model is a good bit more valuable
to facility managers than typical as built drawings.
It may contain warranty data, spare parts lists and sources, useful life
expectations and maintenance recommendations.
It may contain original layouts as well as remodeling and renovation
documentation.

BIM empowers owners

Using BIM, owners can:
Improve building quality

Transparency

Significantly reduce building lifecycle

costs
Better understand design projects from
beginning to end

BIM

Optimize operational efficiencies

Increase occupancy and use rates

Quality

Efficiency

Top BIM benefits

Reduced document errors and

omissions
Reduced rework
Reduced construction cost
Reduce project duration
Fewer claims/litigation

How BIM saves owners time and money

throughout the building lifecycle

Design

Construction

Management

BIM saves time and money in the design phase

Area

Description

Example

Conceptual design

Quickly iterate on design elements

including building form,
sustainability, client requests,
municipal regulations, budget, and
more.
Conduct analyses and simulation

The Beck Group created 100 visualizations for a church

in Seoul and adjusted the shape of the building to
appear curved, but with flat glass, saving over $1
million on glazing and mullions, and 1,000 hours of
design time

Sustainable
building design

Complete energy analysis early in

the design stage to reduce ongoing
energy consumption

Using BIM to evaluate design scenarios for energy

savings, NASAs 50,000 building in Silicon Valley
yielded features such as a steel-frame exoskeleton,
geothermal wells, natural ventilation, wastewater
treatment, and a photovoltaic roof that will provide 30%
of the buildings power

Design Documentation

Create a building model and complete set of designs documents in

an integrated database, where everything is interconnected and
there is real-time self-coordination of information

SARANG CHURCH- BECK GROUP

NASA BUILDING IN SILICON VALLEY

NASA BUILDING IN SILICON VALLEY

BIM saves time and money in the construction

phase
Area

Description

Example

General construction

Links project planning to construction

planning and simulation, as well as
visualization during construction and
digital fabrication
Enhances project communication and
collaboration among teams
Create more accurate cost estimates
Deliver more projects on time and
within budget

Contractor Robins and Morton used BIM to

design and construct an Augusta, Maine
hospital. Due to greater collaboration, the
project was completed ten months ahead of
schedule and returned approximately US$20
million in value-added savings.

Pre-fabrication,
modular construction

Extract information from BIM to prefabricate building components to

improve project schedule, reduce
cost, improve site safety, and produce
greener construction practices by
reducing material waste

J.C. Cannistraro used BIM and pre-fabrication

to upgrade the central utility plant for
University of Massachusetts's Boston campus
helping to minimize installation time of a new
HVAC system and hangers

Augusta, Maine hospital.

The top photo shows the front entrance
of the new Maine General regional
hospital on 5/22/12 in north Augusta.
The bottom one shows the same side
of the new Maine General regional
hospital on 12/4/12 in north Augusta.

BIM saves time and money in the management

phase
Area

Description

Examples

Lifecycle costs

Reuse building models and data to

better manage facility operations
Analyze data-rich models to optimize
resources and reduce waste and
lower lifetime maintenance and
operation costs
Use intelligent 3D models to help
manage space and perform spatial
validation for tenant chargebacks

Shanghai Tower Construction &

Development Co. Ltd. used BIM not only to
design and build, but also to inform
operations of their super high-rise tower.
STC&D plans to use BIM for emergency
and property management going forward.
The Government Services Administration
(GSA) is creating a database of its 3D
models to inform O&M and future projects.
Additional software leveraging the 3D
models will use its data for security,
updates, analysis, and reporting.

Barriers to BIM
The ultimate objective is to build an integrated BIMa virtual building before
we make expensive mistakes with concrete, glass and steel.
Software and hardware constraints: A BIM model theoretically has
unlimited ability to hold information. Despite faster and faster computers and
more efficient software, the model slows down as it enlarges.
Cost practicalities: At some point, it becomes impractical to add detail to the
model. We still assume the builder will use some judgment in the field. A
drawing doesnt need to show all the nail locations in a wood frame.
Universal adaption: The fruition of BIM will depend on widespread use by
designers, contractors and manufacturers. But until trade contractors and
manufacturers are operational with BIM -incomplete integration.
Interoperability: All big projects which have multiple architects and multiple
Construction Managers, have faced the frustrating problems of interoperability in
trying to integrate data from different project management information systems..
The same problem exists with BIM software.
A fully integrated BIM model is a vision, not a reality. At current levels of
development, architects engineers, consultants, builders and fabricators may
have independent BIM models, legacy CAD systems and legacy paper systems.
Those who use BIM software may not use the same programs

3DS MAX DESIGN STUDIO

Autodesk 3ds Max

Autodesk 3ds Max, formerly 3D Studio Max, is a professional 3D computer
graphics program for making 3D animations, models, games and images.
Developed and produced by Autodesk Media and Entertainment.
Has modeling capabilities, a flexible plugin architecture and can be used on
the Microsoft Windows platform.
Used for movie effects and movie pre-visualization.
In addition to its modeling and animation tools, the latest version of 3ds Max
also features shaders (such as ambient occlusion and subsurface
scattering), dynamic simulation, particle systems, radiosity, normal map creation
and rendering, global illumination, a customizable user interface, and its
own scripting language.
3DS max is used to create 3d models, and it helps to develop static or
animated architectural rendering house models that sometimes look like a real
photograph.
3D StudioMax is part of Autodesk and it can inter-operate among most of their
software and other programs such as Adobe Photoshop and After Effects to
help make renders better.
Regarded as the quintessential three dimensional model creator.

REVIT

Revit
Revit not only creates impressive high quality visualizations for builders and
contractors, it also keeps track of information, crucial to create efficient buildings
and an excellent tool for ecological and self sustainable construction. Its
excellent to design homes, apartments and do landscaping.
Revit Parametric modeling is a significant tool for conceptual design. With
Revit software, architectural designers can quickly sketch a rough layout of the
floor plan, or make changes to the standard set of building designs and instantly
let their customers preview their future homes. 3D design views give designers
to try out different design ideas and guide their design decisions at early stage
With Revit software, architecture designing and drafting becomes very fast
and accurate. In Revit model, all building components such as plans, sections,
and elevations are intelligently connected to each another. Whenever a change
is made to the model, the software automatically updates every related
component, affecting the whole building model.

Revit
BIM authoring tool Revit software comes with a full set of parametric building
design components. It also allows quick changes to the existing components. It
stores the newly created or customized parametric objects to be reused in other
projects. While designing a new project, architect can use the stored parametric
building objects for quick references to the prospective clients.
3D modeling capacity of Revit architecture enables designers and drafters to
easily identify the clashes and areas of congestion, and resolve them early in
the process. It results in error-free and high quality construction
documentations.
Accurate Estimation of Quantities and Cost: One of the most important
advantages of building information modeling software is the automatic
generation of bill of quantities (BOQ). BIM modeling software like Revit
produces accurate material quantity takeouts as a by-product, with less-efforts.
This advantage helps the contractors and owners to determine if the project
adheres to budgets.
High Level of Flexibility: Unlike AutoCAD, Revit allows all project data to be
stored in single project file. It allows multiple users to work on the same project
file and merge their changes with every save. Besides, Revit exports and
imports DWG, DXF, DGN, PDF, JPEG files.

MAYA

Maya
Maya goes beyond the design & animations of 3d models and offers
complete, deep animation features that cannot barely achieve in any other piece
of software.
Maya is used on films, videogames and of course on architecture rendering.
Whenever 3DMax is not enough for animated tours, Maya is the best way to go
Maya software is extremely powerful 3D design software which can be used
by anyone who wants to create games or 3D prototypes.
Maya is perfect for architectural rendering. With its powerful and
comprehensive CG pipeline core, you can tackle any 3D designing and
rendering challenge imaginable. If you want to create a different dynamic and
depth to your presentation, Maya provides you with highly capable simulation,
modeling and animation tools that would make your imagination and design
ideas come alive.

Sketch up

SketchUp
It is user-friendly 3D modeling software, then SketchUp is for you. Who says
architectural design and rendering should be boring? With SketchUp, you can start
drawing lines and shapes in a matter of minutes.
So long as you know basic computer, you should be able to effectively use this
software. You dont even need to start from scratch when designing because SketchUp
has a comprehensive 3D Warehouse where you can find 3D models of just about
anything: chairs, tables, plants, even animals, you name it, SketchUp has it! No wonder
its regarded as the worlds biggest warehouse for free 3D models.
Not only that, you can even store or share your 3D models for everyone to see. Its
reliable, fast and interactive,? And when youre done with your 3D model, you can turn it
into a document or a set of drawings with SketchUp Pros LayOut feature.
You can add dimensions, graphics, callouts, model views to pages etc. basically
anything you need to get your message across. And once you make changes to your
SketchUp model, it automatically reflects in your LayOut.

RHINO 3D

Rhino3D
Arguably the worlds most versatile 3-D modeler as it utilizes NURBS or Non-Uniform
Rational B-Splines. NURBS are mathematical representations of 3-D geometry which
can accurately illustrate any shape imaginable. Anything from a straightforward 2-D line,
curve, arc or a circle to the most elaborate and intricate organic free-form 3-D solids or
surfaces; theres simply no limit to what it can do.
With more than 2,000 enhancements as well as modeling and editing tools, you can
design anything and everything under the sun. Plus, it is compatible with other software
because it supports over 30 Computer Aided Design CAD file formats for exporting and
importing purposes without the help of external pug ins.
As a flexible and powerful software, Rhino3D is actually relatively easy to learn and
use effectively. Because of this, you can focus solely on architectural design and
rendering without the software getting in the way. Its just like illustrating an idea or
concept using a pencil and a paper but only in a digital and much more advanced format.
Plus, it is quite fast as it can operate at full capacity using an ordinary computer; no
fancy hardware or set up needed.

LUMION 3D

Lumion 3d
Lumion 3ds main function is making architectural rendering. You will have to create
your 3D model using other software like Revit, ArchiCAD or Sketchup and import it to
Lumion. What makes it special however is that it only takes a few minutes to set up and
render and you can view it anywhere because it works on desktop computers, tablets
and phones.
Using the Lumion software package, you can breathe life to your 3D model by
populating it with people, vegetation, trees and weather among other things. Once youre
done with the enhancements, you click a button to enter MyLumion.com mode. Using
this mode, you can pick and choose the viewpoints that you want to define to make your
architectural rendering stand out. And once youre done, you simply hit the render button
and Lumion will do the rest by combining the images into 360 panoramas.
The link to the finished product will then be sent back to you via your email. You can
forward the link to your colleagues and friends to share the experience. Its architectural
rendering with a touch of social media so its worth a try.