BIM reading_R3

From “Chapter 5. A BIM-based framework for forecasting and visualizing seismic damage, cost and time to repair,” the authors emphasized a weak connection between the owners and the engineers of a construction project in which seismic activity is of paramount significance (Christodoulou, 33). The authors suggest that sensors are good, but can be costly and difficult to implement correctly. This is why they believe in using 3D/4D BIM software that has built in simulation capabilities which can provide reliable probabilistic damage, repair and cost based estimates for the client. The process of making this a reality is described in a flowchart which starts by making a 3D CAD model, and then creating a relational database that connects each component of the BIM model to custom or industry defined codes. These codes along with the production rates and other software components can simulate seismic activity on the building and provide the locations and severity of the damage caused by various levels of seismic activity (35). The required reading, on the other hand, dealt with BIM software as the primary topic and discussed the history and evolution of BIM over the years (Eastman).

The BIM chapter discussed some of the early history of modeling software; the first 3D solid modeling software were TriCad, Calma and others created in the 1970s and 1980s, but were very expensive; as much as $35,000 per computer (Eastman et.al, 27-28). Following these were the parametric design software which created families of components where instances of each component could be added or changed within each family set. In addition, once the boundary parameter is set, a building component cannot escape the boundaries of that parameter (32). Companies such as Boeing and John Deere were mentioned as integrating this type of software successfully into their companies (32-33). A comparison of the different software like ArchiCAD and Revit was made based off of their built-in object families (34). Creation of a companies own families in BIM in addition to the built-in families was also stressed (36). An example given was a custom modeled stadium in Dublin, Ireland was created using Bentley’s Generative Components (38). Modern BIM software comes embedded with code to restrict certain system connections like a wall edge to a window (46). The authors emphasize that more people involved with the building process will learn BIM and communicate through it rather than using paper (51). Many BIM software are memory based and become very slow for large projects, and for those types of projects file-based systems that open and update multiple files are a better option (52). Some downsides mentioned were the time consumed simply becoming proficient in using the software as well as the ability to exchange models from one BIM software to another (54).

The other article I read, “BIM Emerging As Construction’s Legal Standard of Care,” summarized an interview with a construction lawyer and President of Collaborative Construction Resources James Salmon, the legal benefit to using BIM (“BIM Emerging”). He helped settle one particular case out of court by approaching people to create a virtual model of the failed construction project using contemporary BIM software. The 3D model that was created was showed to the defendants along with the obvious problems that eventually developed during construction. This led to the two parties settling out of court. This now essentially opens the door for design professionals, whether it is architects or engineers to be brought to court for not disclosing BIM models to the entire construction team and other parties involved. James Salmon takes the argument that it is essentially better to do a sub-par BIM model and disclose all that information than it is not to do one at all. In the case mentioned, the defendants came to the conclusion that it would be more cost effective to settle out of court than face the potentially devastating financial calamity of the judges ruling (“BIM Emerging”).