BIM_R4

The first paper I read, “Chapter 8. Information and Communication Technology/Building Information Modeling,” discussed some emerging ideas for the future of construction as well as several real world examples of how BIM saved time and money. One project example was the Hilton Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia with a $46 million scope. By using BIM 590 conflicts between structural and MEP components were detected and resolved before construction of those elements. An estimated $200,000 of net saving was accounted for by preventing these collisions along with 1143 hours saved (221). One emerging idea discussed was online bidding, where the contractors enter their bids using secured servers; one online bidding system mentioned was Bid Express (208). Online permits was also mentioned as a way to reduce legal costs and get permits approved faster. Shared project databases, e-commerce and business transactions and a number of other ideas were also mentioned.

The chapter from the BIM handbook suggests that no one BIM system is the best for all situations and that a company may need several platforms (Eastman et.al., 55). The chapter judges platforms on aspects such as ease of user interface, parametric setting, import and export capability and other features (56). Revit is also discussed along with its capabilities such as being able to import models from other modeling systems and interface to structural analysis software (58). Revit was compared to Bentley Systems, ArchiCAD, Digital Project, AutoCAD and other platforms. From the reading, it sounds as though Revit has one of the easier user interfaces and thus a shorter learning curve. Another platform, DProfiler listed in the chapter can only be applied to economic analysis of a project and has limited ability to interface to other platforms (62).

            The other paper I read, “BIM and the Cloud”, went into several segments about the benefits of using a cloud network for the purpose of using BIM software on high performance workstations. An iPhone can be used according to the article, and also mentioned in class, as a cloud access device with a remote desktop protocol client. Renderings and animations can be achieved using cloud while people work through the same system, but it works its best when people go home at night and the rendering time drops as much as from 53mins/frame to 7.3secs/frame (France). However, Moore’s law, which isn’t even mentioned in the article, may make cloud unnecessary.