BIM - Assignment 2

The assigned reading from the first part of Chapter 2, BIM Handbook gives detailed information about history of BIM and 3D Modeling, parametric modeling, BIM tools, and capabilities of parametric modelers. The article explains the development of BIM software starting with B-rep and then CSG which were solid modeling systems. Those systems were not much usable with the available computing power, not well developed and expensive. With the development of object-based parametric modeling resulting BIM tools, the capabilities of configuration and design has changed a lot. This is expressed in the assignment as "It is fair to say that 3D modeling would not be productive in building design and production without the automatic update features made possible by parametric capabilities.". Parametric modeling allows users to define their object families based on their work area and experience which is essential for mass production of similar products reducing the amount of required changes and re-work during design, engineering and manufacturing process. 

The article I read "The Importance of BIM in Structural Engineering" focuses on BIM in structural engineering profession and talks about how and why it is important for the field. The author explains the process of electronic data interchange (EDI) which allows each member of a building process having its own digital database related to its area of work communicate with other's databases. In this way, architects, engineers, contractors, owners, and all other related parties can talk to each other via their databases. The author explains the change in industry towards BIM with improvements in computer power, a common database platform, and network bandwidth. He states that since these criteria  are available and financially within reach, the field is ready for BIM. He explains the adoption of BIM with  classic technology adoption life-cycle model and believes that the majority of the transition will be done by 2015. The author also discusses the areas of professions that will be affected during the adoption to be work process, business practice, and the types of structures that are designed. He states that with BIM being more common with the applications in the field, the staff, client, and marketing parts of the profession will also be affected. Plus, the code requirements will be changing since International Code Council (ICC) has been working to make automatic code checking possible with BIM. I think he does a good job of taking different sides of the profession and explaining how and why they will change during this adoption process. 

I also watched a video, "Use of Innovative Technology to Build New Disney Fantasyland", that shows how BIM is being used to construct a new Disney FantasyLand. Engineers from the project explain how BIM makes things easier for them. BIM lets them see conflicts, impacts of structural systems, and other problems early in the process before making it to the field and act accordingly. If there is a problem during the a part of the construction, they can just take have a look at the BIM model and see what is different. With the help of tablet PC's available all the time, they can address issues in the field and check the construction progress. It allows them to understand the same vision with everyone else at the same time.

Reading and watching all these, I can say my idea about the profession and innovative engineering have changed. With lots of chances coming up, I think it is extremely important not to stay behind of BIM tools and again a lot helpful to have the BIM model when you are at the field.