B2 - BIM Handbook Chapter 5

Topic: BIM Handbook Chapter 5

BIM, the building information modeling has been used more widely around the world. It helps engineers integrate information from nearly every aspects in the constructional process. There are many BIM tools, which deal with different problems. According to Chapter 5 of BIM handbook, unfortunately, there is no a single BIM tool that can handle all the requirement works within the construction. Therefore, the interactions between different design tools is very important. For example, after finishing designing the structure, structural engineers may want to transmit the model to electrical engineer for electrical panels design. On the other hand, mechanical engineers may use the same model to design the HVAC systems. In this case, if the interaction between different tools are bad, it will take more time for the engineers to generate the same model.

Section 5.4 (Building Element Models and Libraries) reminds me of database topic which we discussed last week. In this case, the element model sets and libraries act like a database which provides necessary information for designs. The element models from old buildings just like the collected data from sensors, and they really help enhance the amount of useful sources.

Section 5.6 (New and Changed Staffing within Design Firms) mentioned about the change in firms. There are many experienced senior engineers in the firm, but not of all of them are able to handle the BIM tools easily. Therefore, in this case, tutoring becomes extremely important for a firm. The proposed time length (one day per week) is reasonable, since it can help them learn the tool progressively and allows the engineers practice more in their work. After training, they may be able improve their productivity, so their billing hour will be decreased.

In my opinion, in the future, it would be much better if all the BIM tools can be combined into a very powerful one. In this case, engineers do not have to worry about transmitting the files between software. If that is not the case, the alternative solution, which is more feasible, could be that the future BIM tools are able to fully support each other. This will definitely enhance the productivity. For example, Google SketchUp is a convenient tool for modeling. If its files can be read by SAP 2000 or AutoCAD Revits, the structural design for the model can be done very quickly.

Reference
Chuck, H., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R. and Liston, K.. BIM Hand Book. Drexel University Library. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/doi/10.1002/9780470261309.ch5/pdf

Comment on Jiaao Wu

I like the “Performance by Design” case that you have mentioned in the post. Project engineers should definitely work as a team. In this case, they must have enough communication and know what others are doing in the project. Otherwise, if they only focus on their own part and keep ignoring the others, the project will end up with many problems, which will cause much more time and money to fix.

Comment to Abdulghani

I agree that BIM is a powerful tool which significantly increase our productivity. It helps us integrate information from the projects. I also agree that we should learn more about BIM tools, since we will use them in the future.

Comment to Jonathan

I agree that since the billing rates are different, the billing hours for different staffs must not be the same. However, since it is only the estimation for how much time has reduced, it won’t be a big deal for being not accurate.