B2 Ch. 5 - BIM for Architects and Engineers

This week we had to read a chapter of the BIM Handbook. As part of group D I had to read Chapter 5; BIM for Architects and Engineers. The introduction focuses on saying that BIM is not a perfect art yet. There is still plenty of room for improvement, but the speed at which this technology is advancing is faster than what we imagine. It also talks about how BIM will facilitate the design process because it will allow the different areas of design (structural, mechanical, plumbing, lighting, etc.) to be worked on at the same time and that way they can all back-check each other.

Scope of design services.

• ·         Reduce amount of time required to prepare construction docs

• ·         Difference between IPD (Integrated project delivery) and DBB (Design bid build)

o   Moving towards IPD

• ·         Client is familiar with what is going to be delivered

• ·         BIM must be easily accessible by many consultants (projects often require many)

This chapter analyzed the impact of BIM on design from 3 different points of view:

1. 1.       Conceptual Design

a.       Most creative part of the design

b.      Brings together all aspects of the project

c.       Provided examples of BIM software (Google SketchUp, Rhinoceros, and BonZai3d

d.      Examples of designs and what goes into them

1. 2.       Integration of Engineering Services

a.       Analyzing the building’s components (structural integrity, lighting, circulation, etc.)

                                                               i.      BIM will be able to incorporate all of these components into the same interface in order to make it easy to analyze

b.      Cost estimating

                                                               i.      BIM will play a role in facilitating cost estimates

1. 3.       Construction level modeling

a.       BIM can help speed up construction process

                                                               i.      Easily providing the different construction drawings

b.      A certain level of precision must be obtained in order for BIM to facilitate and incorporate all aspects of construction

Briefly talks about object libraries and how they are incorporated into the systems.

The chapter ends by talking about how even though BIM is the future of building design, it is definitely not simple. With all the benefits that BIM brings, they do not come for free. A BIM model that includes information and analysis of different components involves more decision making and effort than what is needed for standard construction drawings.

Refrence: Eastman, C. M. (2011). BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Comment:

To Alex Nunes,  I think the speed at which the BIM technology is growing is intense. I don't find it shocking however, Like you said, the user friendliness and speed at which projects can be accomplished really drives this technology forward. I think it is only a matter of time before we see more BIM development and the technology starts taking over other aspects of the building process. It is quite unbelievable to think how all this was done in the past where drafting was done by hand. It is really cool to see how technology has advanced and I'm excited to see how much more it will grow during our professional careers.