The required reading from the BIM
Handbook Chapter 2 discusses the history of BIM and its distinctions from
traditional CAD tools. BIM uses
parametric modeling to define rules for object classes, allowing them to be
updated automatically. Users can create their own families of objects and edit
predefined families. Parametric design has been useful in manufacturing for
years, but a difference in BIM from other industries is representing space
explicitly. BIM has many advantages for building design; however, it is
hindered by the large memory requirement for 3D objects.
In addition to the BIM Handbook reading, I also read the article “Who’s Using BIM”
which discusses the use of BIM as it affects structural engineering. A 2009 survey showed that about half of structural engineers have BIM experience, but much less consider themselves proficient. Training is an issue, with most respondents rating their firm poorly on training programs. The
article describes how BIM enables three drivers to the industry: virtual design and construction (VDC),
integrated project delivery (IPD), and lean construction. VDC is the use of BIM from the start of a
project, allowing increased detail modeling of structural elements and
identification of conflicts. IPD is a form of contracting which will include
the involvement of structural engineers as consultants early in the design
process. Lean construction, the reduction of waste, will be more important for
structural engineers with BIM capabilities for measuring materials and
scheduling.
The article expands on the reading by detailing the advantages of BIM for structural design. The increased use of BIM in design and construction will
necessitate structural engineering firms providing BIM services. BIM is becoming increasingly important because it is a process for
streamlining design and construction rather than simply a tool for 3D modeling.
Structural engineers will be more involved throughout the design process of a
building. Automatic updates and sharing of BIM files allow different
professions to work on the same design. By involving everyone early in the
process, the overall design of the building is improved and more efficient. Greater
efficiency in the design process will result in more sustainable designs.
It is interesting that a software will, and already has, affected not just the design process but also changes who is involved in what aspects of the project realization, like how Chris discussed that engineers will become more involved in the contracting stage early on in the project. Having the engineers more involved in all aspects hopefully can lead to more efficient construction processes and maybe in projects being completed quicker than before. It will be interesting to see how the sustainable design fad will be affected by BIM software, and if BIM will help to create "greener" buildings and construction practices.
ReplyDeleteThe increased efficiency of project delivery and reduction of errors and omissions afforded by using modern BIM that Chris pointed out has another added benefit that it will reduce projects claims from delays and E&O.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Chris in that BIM is affecting who is involved in the design process and at what stages. From experience, I know that BIM technologies have helped to create more efficient buildings and have also allowed different people involved in building processes to communicate more quickly and efficiently due to BIM. The use of BIM design does in fact help speed up the design process tremendously. A project which I am working on at my job uses a BIM software, REVIT, and it had to be completed within a year. Without using REVIT there is no way that this would have been able to happen, as the design process would have taken too long to finish on time.
ReplyDelete