BIM, Integrated Design, IPD, 3D Modeling, VDC, Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Navisworks -- what does it all mean?

Lets start by defining Building Information Modeling or BIM. Building Information Modeling is the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle. Typically it uses three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic building modeling software to increase productivity in building design and construction. The process produces the building information model, which encompasses building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information and quantities and properties of building components ⁽¹⁾. The information needs to be coordinated, digital design information and documentation that is used from conception of a project throughout construction and the lifecycle of the building.

Why is BIM important and what caused the phrase to be coined? BIM has been used in construction in some form or fashion for many years. Weve just never formally defined it. The change to a more coordinated or integrated design is leading the way for a BIM workflow. Integrated design is a collaborative method for designing buildings which emphasizes the development of a holistic design ⁽¹⁾. In other words, integrated design is all members of a project working together in a coordinated and collaborative way from the beginning of a project through completion. Another aspect of integrated design is Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), which is integrated design with contracts backing up the workflow and accountability.

Integrated design is a process that involves all the key team members, including the contractors, early on in the project. The team collaborates digitally and checks for collisions between trades regularly. All decisions are based on whats best for the project, not whats best for each individual contributor. This process is based on trust and sharing and uses 3D models to keep everyone in synch.

3D models are a mathematical, wireframe representation of any three-dimensional object via specialized software ⁽¹⁾. These models are then used for Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). VDC is a process used by many firms to integrate and digitally construct the 3D model(s) prior to actual construction. This process also includes the use of construction scheduling and estimating.

Ok, now that weve established the terms involved, why do we need all this? Bottom line is to create a more coordinated and consistent project in a shorter time frame in a more cost effective manner. A BIM workflow also decreases the number of changes on a project once construction begins. This is accomplished by comparing all the project models for interferences prior to and throughout construction. The ability to see the model in three dimensions allows everyone to have a more complete understanding of the project. The information used for the construction of a project can then be used by the owner for facility management of the building throughout its life cycle.

A BIM workflow allows other advantages over that of a traditional workflow. A traditional workflow spends the majority of time creating construction documents. Once the documents are created, changes are costly and difficult to manage. A BIM workflow allows more time designing and allows better collaboration further into the project, which in turn keeps the costs of the project lower. See figure 1.

 

Traditional vs. BIM workflow

Figure 1

　

　

There are many products that support a BIM workflow, including Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Navisworks. Autodesk Revit has three industry specific applications Autodesk Revit Architecture, Autodesk Revit Structure and Autodesk Revit MEP Suite. Autodesk Navisworks has several offerings as well Autodesk Navisworks Freedom, Autodesk Navisworks Review, Autodesk Navisworks Simulate and Autodesk Navisworks Manage.

Autodesk Revit is a 3D modeling software used to create a building information model. Autodesk Navisworks Manage is a tool used for importing all the project models, regardless of format, into one model to check for collisions and determine construction scheduling.

Using both Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Navisworks allows for better coordination of disciplines throughout the project lifetime. Fewer errors are encountered which leads to better alignment with scope and budget. Autodesk Revit allows more time to be spent on design and less time on tedious tasks, like creating construction documents. Better communication of the content to the client is achieved by using an Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Navisworks BIM workflow, not to mention the ability to make more informed decisions quickly. Both also give you a marketing edge against the competition.

⁽¹⁾ All definitions taken from Wikipedia.com.

For additional comments or questions, please contact me at tracyfisher@hagerman.com.

　

　

　

　

 

This page last edited on Thursday, June 03, 2010