BIM Software Packages, Revit - Design and Construction

                The assigned reading starts by saying that all BIM software is different, and based on project specifics, different programs would be more or less effective for companies to use. Therefore, the article basically suggests that it would be ideal to use all systems intermittently. This may be ideal, but it is not feasible. No one company could spend the time and money purchasing and learning all of these software programs, and therefore, it seems that most companies are simply selecting one and mastering it, using it on most if not all projects. I completely agree that an easy-to-learn interface is a huge factor in the success of the software program. The issue with program speed and lag-time should honestly be a non-issue. Graphic cards should be purchased by companies to avoid this issue completely. Revit is the leading BIM program, providing Architecture, Structural, and MEP platforms. Considering Revit is able to handle multiple users on the same file, I believe this program is the future of BIM. In terms of its drawbacks, the memory problem can be handled as stated above. The issue with not handling complex curved surfaces is a more major problem though. The future of architecture is pushing the bounds of what’s possible in terms of unfamiliar building shapes, and Revit is going to have to be improved to handle these types of designs if it wants to continue to lead the BIM market. Bentley is another BIM program competing with Revit for the market. It seems to be more well rounded in terms of building systems it can provide software for, but these systems cannot be used together because the files do not transfer. This isn’t the worst of problems Bentley has though. Bentley is apparently extremely difficult to learn, which could be the downfall of the company’s place in the market. Nevertheless, it does provide complex curvature modeling, which will always have its place in the market for large, expensive projects with bold architectural shapes. ArchiCAD seems to be behind the two aforementioned software packages in terms of its ability to parametrically model. It does however run on Mac products, which will probably keep it in the market for companies running Mac, although I don’t know of many civil engineering firms that currently do. Digital Project seems like it could potentially take over the market, but has to be improved first. It uses the same programming modules as the leading aerospace and automotive industries’ software, so it definitely can handle any type of building project. It just needs to spend some time creating a more developed object library and architectural drawing elements. I’m surprised this program isn’t where the civil engineering market is going considering it is already the leader in a more advanced industry. The AutoCAD ADT software seems like it is going to fade out as soon as AutoCAD does. It’s parametric modeling capability is subpar compared to other software, and considering this kind of modeling is the future of the industry, I believe ADT will not be. Tekla seems to be the best 3D modeling tool for structural engineers. It has all the positives of the other software in terms of modeling capacity, and integrates STAAD and ETABS for structural analysis, which are the most popular programs in the structural industry. Its downsides are that it is tough to learn, and also expensive. Nevertheless, I think it will lead the structural industry for some time because it is simply the best software available for structural engineering in almost every aspect. Dprofiler is very different than other programs. It focuses almost completely on the cost analysis of a building, and therefore can be used at the beginning of a project before design even starts. I could see this program staying in the market because its goal is directed toward the business end of engineering, rather than the design. Considering how new BIM is, I believe within the next 10 to 20 years, these programs will be nearly perfected, and use in the industry will be unavoidable. BIM is going to completely take over the architectural engineering design practice.

                The optional article I selected was called "BIM and Revit - The Way to the Future." This is an interesting article written by a construction litigation lawyer who is very involved in promoting BIM products; Revit, in particular. He starts off by saying that making money as a lawyer in the construction litigation industry is going to plummet due to the integration of BIM in the engineering design field. This is incredibly true. The amount of errors made using AutoCAD that are simply impossible to make using Revit is astounding to me. It is one of the main reasons I have grown to love Revit, and cannot wait for it to become a mainstream tool in our industry. He then goes into the disappointing dilemma Professor Mitchell had brought up earlier this term about CAD technicians replacing engineering designers within firms. He is upset about this because of the multitude of errors, either in design or just in drawing, that cause frustrating, expensive problems during construction. I really enjoy this article because the author breaks down the technical aspect of Revit and design into very simple context so that anyone can understand him. It’s a very easy read, but provides a lot of intelligent assumptions and facts. It’s incredible how much litigation money is going to be saved through BIM. For a government agency, which is usually behind the private sector in terms of engineering technology, GSA is mandating the use of BIM in every project. I think this is a fantastic idea that’s going to save the government so much time and money in the future. Like the Kling Stubbins representative mentioned last week, this article talks about contractors and construction managers collaborating with designers during the design phase through BIM to avoid construction issues and even to improve the design. This is a great tool for the entire process that should definitely be used more frequently in the future. Even construction companies are investing in BIM products to create Revit models themselves based on engineers’ AutoCAD drawings. These models will prevent costly construction issues that arise during construction. BIM is going to remove a lot of chaos from the design and construction processes. On another note, I can’t help but laugh at the author’s comment regarding LEED at the end of the article. He may be biased, but maybe not far from the truth. He then closes with a thought that designers not using Revit could eventually face lawsuits due to “Gross Negligence” in terms of fixing problems for the construction phase. This is a little bit of a scary thought if you’re an engineer, and hopefully BIM is integrated soon enough that we never have to see that happen. After reading this article, I would have to assume that Revit is going to be the leader in future design software. Other products may be used for specific projects that require extensive curvature, or for structural design-specific projects, but this article, along with the assigned reading, has convinced me that Revit will lead the charge.