Advantages in Revit/BIM

With the use of BIM in Revit becoming larger and larger, the advantages of using such programs are greatly increasing. Although they are not easy tools to master the skills acquired from them are worth the struggle. Using Revit, BIM processes and three dimensional drafting are combined which is a very productive aspect. This has cut down work time in half when such measures were drafted and calculated by hand.

With the use of these programs buildings and structures will be able to be studied better. With less time physically drafting engineers can focus more on how to create structures that will withstand natural disasters and be able to implement these concepts into BIM and Revit which could in turn have great benefits. Not only could lives be saved by buildings that can resist these disasters but property damage would be reduced and time and money wasted in rebuilding could be salvaged and used towards improving older infrastructure. Future scenarios can be used to simulate events and really study how to make a building that can out live the test of time.

It’s hard to say where Revit could go in twenty years from now, but as more people learn the program the greater its benefits can be.  With more and more new engineers coming into the work for they are more apt to learn newer technologies such as Revit.  I would say that the future could lead to building generation without the use of a person physically drawing it. Soon parameters can be put in such as rough size and location and programs will be able to generate a structure for that area automatically. The future of BIM and Revit I believe is just beginning and will be revolutionized over the next twenty years.

http://www.architecturalevangelist.com/tips-and-tricks/top-7-reasons-to-use-revit.html

Sherry Liu

Sherry,
I agree that using Revit and BIM processes enables work to be done much faster an efficiently. I think one of its best tools is the ability to simulate different scenarios in order to study how a building will perform under different situations. With this technology buildings of the future may be able to withstand natural disasters and potentially not only save properties but lives.

Malik Anibaba
Malik,
I like how you mentioned how construction documentation has improved with these programs. That is a valid point that I feel isn't mentioned often. With these processes very detail about a buildings construction plan is documented and eventually signed off for which is great in terms of referencing and liability issues. 

Carlos Hillinger
Carlos,
I like how you talked about agriculture and how these processes are going to revolutionize a practice other than one in the construction industry. Revit and BIM are great tools which are going to revolutionize technology as a whole even though they are most commonly associated with building and construction. I also agree which your opinion about the time frame, yes BIM will make great strides but it needs to be learned first and then mastered which won't be a quick ordeal as the program can be complex.

Advantages of Revit/BIM

Revit by Autodesk is one of the Architecture, engineering and construction industries top used Building information modelling system (BIM). Building information modelling system (BIM) have been in development since 1985 (Vectorworks), and Revit was just introduced in 2002. Revit capabilities allows users to design a building and structure and its components in 3D, annotate the model with 2D drafting elements, and access building information from the building model's database. Revit is 4D BIM capable with tools to plan and track various stages in the building's lifecycle, from concept to construction and later maintenance and/or demolition.

More specifically Revit benefit Architects and engineers by providing, a substantial preview of their designs. This is helpful in the concept design phase. Here architects and engineers can provide client with design options as they would appear on site. Revit an Building information modelling systems allows engineers and architects to make quick changes to design and eliminates repetitive tasks. During design it is almost certain that changes to design will occur. This would require changing certain aspects of drawing file. Revit and BIM software’s intelligently intertwine design so that a change to one component will result to the exact same change of that component in the Revit file.

Revit and BIM software’s offer an extensive library of parametric Building Components. Revit for example provides families of Ceilings, Doors, Ducts, furniture, pipes columns and so on. Revit also allows you to create our own family and include them into the library. Revit also allows you to edit existing components of a family and saves them for later use. This eliminates the need to create parts from scratch and provides a guide line for creating new ones.

BIM’s like Revit allow production of high quality construction documentation. Revit allows you to print out sheets of your design file with the possibility of schedules and parts break down. Revit also has the capability to produce a bill of quantities which allows for accurate estimation of quantity costs. This provides clarity for construction manager and all entities involved in managing the project and limits time needed to tabulate construction items.

High level of Flexibility with overall constructions. BIM’s in general allow collaboration with other BIM’s. Revit for example can allow users to export components of drawing into a dwg file, which allows AutoCAD cad users to make use of file. These are just a couple of benefits to Revit and BIM, I believe it has more advantages than disadvantages and should be further developed to aid the AEC industry.

Sherry Xiaoyu Liu Comment: I liked the idea of BIM being able to factor in potential extreme conditions into modelling and helping engineers design accordingly. This step will cut down on time for research on future weather conditions. I also liked how you made the general statement that the future of BIM will most definitely make the design process cheaper, more efficient, and safer.

Nay Ye Oo Comment: I see your concern with the advancement of BIM in relation to Engineers. I believe that there will always be a need for engineer but i do agree that the need will require more experience, bring about higher competition and probably less pay.

Possible future advantage of BIM/Revit:

Possible future advantage of BIM/Revit:

There are a lot benefits already nowadays with using BIM process. With the fact of having more information contained buildings in the future, BIM could be a great tool to capture the completed process in a way that the tradition pen and paper aren’t able to do. Using BIM drawing tools are way faster than the 3D drawings tools. With having the family feature in of the BIM tools, Revit, the project can automatically update the information with different numbers and sizes being changed, which would make the design process much more efficient and easier. Another example, with using BIM, it can improve the collaborations between architects, engineering, and the owners. Autodesk 360 is commonly used nowadays in the design field with having the feature of integrating all of the different disciplines.

Also, there are simulation tools out there for designer to visualize things such as daylight and different weather condition and the software would generate the peak conditions with analyzing the data. In the future, it would be ideal if the BIM software could also predict the extreme weather condition so that it could incorporate the needs into the design process. Despite the fact that BIM is and will be making the design process cheaper, more efficient, and safer, but there are still people are used to the old ways of working. From the article I read, seems like the solution could be summarized a three-pronged approach: processes, policies, and people.

Resources:

https://www.autodesk.com/redshift/building-information-modeling-top-10-benefits-of-bim/

https://www.autodesk.com/redshift/future-of-bim/

Comments -

Abad: I enjoyed reading your post about the future of BIM uses. I agree with your point that BIM could reduce building energy and makes the building sustainable and it is something traditional paper and pen can never achieve. And I believe with the use of BIM getting more common and common, it will for sure to reduce the construction cost and increase the efficiency a lot more  in the future.

Shuster: The point you brought up about BIM not being building information modeling but building information optimizing is really interesting to read. It would be ideal if designers don't need to code every aspect of the building in the future and only need to put in the parameters to let the program generates on it own. For sure it will save so much time and cost but it also makes me worry that if humans will eventually lose our creativities one day or decrease creativities with fast phase development of the technologies.

Nay: The points you listed there are very interesting and unique. I actually agree with all of your three points. What I will be discussing here will be your third point where engineers will be no longer needed in the future. This is the aspect that I worry about the most also. Like jordan mentioned in her post, it is most likely that designers are not necessary to code every aspects of the building and instead only some parameters will be needed to make the design happen. It makes me worry that one day our humans creativities will be going to a down curve.

Nay Ye Oo - What are the possible future problems with Revit/BIM?

What are the possible future problems with Revit/BIM?

With any type of new change (in the field of technology), there will be positive and negative attributes. This post will be focusing on the potential problems that will arise with Revit/BIM. Listed below are the core reasons that was discussed in class.

Forgetting the Roots

As we know, the origin of drafting began with basic pencil and paper which evolved to computer drafting with AutoCAD. AutoCAD essentially does the pencil and paper but in a more efficient manner. However, once Revit/BIM was introduced into our industry, a lot of walls are being shattered because it is basically a game changer. As newer and newer technology tries to improve our tools, we too evolve with it and at one point, we start to forget our roots. This generation of people will not know how to draft using pencil-and-paper. Instead our first drafting lesson will most likely be in AutoCAD. Based on this trend the same analogy can be applied. Soon the next generation will forget the fundamentals of drafting and start with Revit/BIM.

The issue with this is that, we tend to lose some level of knowledge as we transition from one method to the next. And soon, as software become easier and easier to learn and use (interface-wise), we will lose some knowledge that can only be understood using older techniques/methods which would be obsolete by then.

Old cannot keep up with New

Another issue is the inability for old recorded databases and archives to be updated to new software. As we slowly transition from an AutoCAD driven industry to Revit/BIM, we face the issues of conversion. New software cannot read/interact with old files and it is cost ineffective to update/convert all previously recorded data and files.

Engineers no longer needed

Another threat to us engineers is the amount of pre-requisites/knowledge needed to draft or create a model. This definitely sounds stupid and impossible right now but in the future (perhaps 20+ years from now), we might have created better programs with easier learning curves that will no longer require technical knowledge. This bodes bad to us engineers, as the job market might be more open with more competition. (Potentially less pay)

Comments:

Dung,


I like how you pointed out if hardware could keep up with software advances. Just like Moor's law, technology is exponentially increasing but can we physically keep up and utilize this new upgrade? However, I am not convinced enough that Revit/BIM will be capable of design decisions unless AI has advanced to that level of sophistication. But who knows? AI is already breaking grounds every other month nowadays so it could be possible in the near future.

Zac,

Great job on giving your analysis of the differences between AutoCAD and Revit. I agree with your explanation to how CAD is comparable to pen-and-paper while Revit is so much more. I also agree with the fact that Revit's real-time design process makes it very efficient for all different fields to interact and facilitate any issues during the design phase. However, since Revit is relatively new in the industry, I can't brush of the fact that not every company uses, let alone, is familiar with, Revit. This might create chaos during the design phase with real-time feature. For example, if one discipline dictates a design and the rest bases off of it, this first discipline has to make sure their design is the final one without changes. Because as the first one designs, the rest follows and any changes to the first design will affect the rest like a domino effect. Such a case would favor the disciplines to complete their design first and pass on their file rather than working simultaneously.

B3-How does Revit relate to Autocad and other drafting programs?

The relationship between revit and other programs like AutoCAD can be characterized through my own personal experience and how it relates to the civil career field. In the civil engineering field AutoCAD is a necessary part of conservative formatting of drawings and drafting, but revit provides more than this drafting format. Revit allows for 3D design, family creation, but also dwg plan integration. As discussed, revit allows for just one compilation of sheets rather than AutoCAD and other programs where multiple plan sheets are used for a project. This difference centralizes projects that allow for also a 3D analysis. But despite this integrated approach, at all my co-ops it was required knowledge to know how to draft in AutoCAD and be able to present designs in the program. This has become a staple in the business because of its capabilities to create basic drawings. In conclusion from my personal experience although AutoCAD is more structured and standardized, revit allows for more flexibility in joining mechanical and civil design.

The other relationship I found between AutoCAD and revit was from accounts in the industry. On some articles, the relationship is categorized as the future of BIM versus drafting technology. Revit also allows BIM and connection of dwg and 3D technology with its drafting capabilities. Because of this smaller and mid sized firms are getting into this new technology as the future for architectural drafting, while also still using AutoCAD as a basis tool. Another relation that I found in my work is that revit is more centralized where other peers can work on the document and information doesn't need to be extracted because it displays all of it on the same file. In the end it seems even though Revit is being embraced as a new centralized drafting tool for companies AutoCAD will still be the basis since its a simple drafting tool that can be used on any project. This is because the evolution of design still has the basis of unique hand drawn sketching which is basically AutoCAD but in a computer design format.

http://www.archsupply.com/autocad-vs-revit-cad-vs-bim-what-architects-will-use-in-the-future/

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-advantages-of-AutoCAD-over-Revit-and-vice-versa

Replies:

Gibson, I enjoyed to see that you were able to use Revit at your previous co-op in drafting. Although I knew about the capability of drafting on the same project with other was plausible it was nice to see that companies in the structural field are applying this to their work. And I didn't know that one can incorporate links in their design to reference other material or sections.

Shaden, it was interesting to read on your feed the capability of BIM design tools to actually simulate loads, estimations, and run calculations. When working on my project for this class using sensors I will definitely be looking to use this tool.

Carlos, I enjoyed the reference in your post about how as a society we need to adapt and advance to these emerging information technologies. Although there can be discrepancy I agree that if we make these advances our field will embrace it in the future. This can not only lead to better ease in the industry but also better projects. 

Future Advantages of Revit/BIM - Carlos Hillinger

Carlos Hillinger - AE410 - B3

Future Advantages of BIM

     In a world that is constantly being shaped by technology, futuristic ways of developing a building are emerging. Among the newest technologies related to the construction industry we can name: concrete 3D printers, brick-laying robots, AI, BIM programs, powerful laser cutters, and many more. And it does not take a genius to realize how technology has already been shaping the way we build today! It was not too long ago when people designed structures with only pen and paper, developed buildings with an organized book and used techniques that seem ancient to us to put together a building. After looking at the advances in construction in technology, the first question that comes to my mind, is, What's next?

     According to Mark Chidwick, "The adoption of collaborative ecosystems combined with the modernization of traditional processes and the introduction of information management technologies will provide the environment necessary to support the needed cultural change in the industry". This is a very interesting article that introduces the use of BIM as a new revolution. They explain how the Agricultural, Industrial and Information Revolutions have been shaping the world, and how BIM is going to create a new revolution, which they call, the Ecosystem Revolution. The Ecosystem Revolution consists in the integration of various disciplines to solve complex problems, and this is achieved through technologies such as BIM. BIM is definitely going to change the way people approach a project, it will look for integration and workflow among all the areas of of a construction and set them together in one place, in order to provide the smarter and most efficient solution. It is a process that will probably take few years, since there is a lot of techniques and information that we need to teach these technologies. But once the programs have more knowledge of constructions that even human beings, we are going to be the ones entering the parameters and they will be the ones designing and developing a project.

Source:

M. Chidwick, Shaping the Future of the Construction Industry. CanBIM, 2017 [Online]. Available: http://www.canbim.com/single-post/2017/10/31/Shaping-the-Future-of-the-Construction-Industry

Comments:

Jordan:
Jordan, I believe you make very good points by pointing out that buildings are soon to be designed by programs rather than people, I made some similar assumptions in my post. I did enjoy the video you shared, although I am not completely sure that programs are going to be extremely easy to use, I believe that there is always going to be some training required in order to be able to use the development tools that advances in technology will offer us.  

Tyler:
Tyler, I liked the way you introduced the use of Revit and BIM in the construction industry, I agree, it is a problem that projects developed in different tools are not able to easily translate into each other's formats. Could it possibly be a solution to create a programming code that would set constraints on how the files of every big construction program should be developed, in order to make it easily editable through other platforms? For example a monopoly of a big company such as Autodesk, in which they would own every emerging technology and make them operable among one another? Now with that been said, this may even cause a bigger problem, a slower rate of newly developed technologies. It is definitely a big topic to discuss, and I look forwards to hearing what professor Mitchell has to say about it. 

Andrew:
Andrew, you wrote a very nice introduction on Revit and BIM, I believe that sharing your own experience is always a good way of getting people into context of what you are writing about. Interoperability among programs is a problem that many have addressed and I share the same point of view. You also went into detail even compared programs like eQuest to other programs like Revit. Maybe another big problem could be that the rate of machines replacing humans will start to grow exponentially again, like in the industrial revolution? It is definitely a big problem for a big discussion and I'm looking forward to talk about it in class.

B3

BIM tools have so many advantages. An advantage that I would like to first mention is the advantage of being able to provide 3D and prospectives drawnings in a matter of minutes even seconds, which is a great way an architect or a designer may communicate with the owner who might have no idea what a floor plan is. Other great advantages of BIM tools is that it allows engineers from different backgrounds and architects be able to communicate to achieve the wants and needs of a project owner in a timely manner through a single program or different programs which work together, and this is in some cases what is called an Integrated design system. The advantage of simulations that can be done through BIM tools makes it even more great and powerful, while being able to have the system run calculations to determine an appropriate system for a given building, which I believe is great for some aspects for a RFP "Request for proposal" since it's based on estimates and nothing precise is needed. 

B3: Revit v. Other Software

The links of the articles you added in your post are useful to especially the Revit Vs. AutoCad, which shows how autocad is still the number 1 tool for drafting floor plans. 

Maita - B3 Post

I agree with you about BIM tools can't replace the work of engineer especially if you have "high level analysis" as you stated but some tools are considered fair enough to perform design or simulations for analysis, but may be design in terms of a structural aspects still remain a mystery. 

Dee Dee Strohl - Blog 3

Since you mentioned how BIM tools allow seeing how design are interconnect some business have become big on using virtual reality to allow the owner see how truly the architectural system of a building is interconnected.  

Gibson - B3 Post

How does Revit relate to Autocad and other drafting programs?

After watching the YouTube video, on linking AutoCAD drawings files into Revit files once can see how well AutoCAD can really relate to Revit and other 3D drafting programs. Once creating any DWG. file type in CAD, it then is directly linked into a Revit model. So, this turns all the 2-D lines drafted in CAD to specific families in Revit based on the layer you drafted each line in CAD. These 'families" in Revit give the drafted lines a whole new meaning with the actual real-world properties of what the line will be out in the field. For example, a beam of a structure drafted on a certain layer in CAD (depends on how one's AutoCAD layers are set up) when linked into a Revit Structural model will display the actual 3-D steel W24 beam or whatever exact beam that is needed for the structure. This beam can then be seen in a whole new light as the actual construction of each and every member of a building can be seen in 3-D and depicted accurately with all the correct dimensions needed for field work instead of just a solid line which is what will be displayed in AutoCAD.

In addition to the 3-D modeling, Revit allows one to cut sections/elevations or plans views from the model. Also, in the model, one can turn off and on certain links that linked into the Revit file to allow for clearer details when trying to figure out how a connection or specific detail fits together in a structure. These links can then be synchronized into the central model for all parties to be up to date at all times. This lets engineers, drafters, and contractors all the ability to work on a single model at the same time unlike in AutoCAD by a simple click. 

Source:
https://www.evernote.com/Home.action?_sourcePage=VTHa1U_BCx3iMUD9T65RG_YvRLZ-1eYO3fqfqRu0fynRL_1nukNa4gH1t86pc1SP&__fp=0mLHj7SLOWI3yWPvuidLz-TPR6I9Jhx8&hpts=1517333438651&showSwitchService=true&usernameImmutable=false&rememberMe=true&login=&login=Sign+in&login=true&username=cag332%40drexel.edu&hptsh=adQ3vVdYIHNbNYUgaRXFLC1DvmA%3D#n=3393c56f-8725-4e2a-90c6-12e2ad530aae&s=s3&b=3ca5dd9b-8b1c-4939-875f-262706dc1487&ses=4&sh=1&sds=5&


Response 1: Andrew Maita
I enjoyed reading your post about current issues with Revit and BIM, especially for most users who have started drafting in AutoCAD. I went through similar problems when first trying to use Revit rather than CAD during my co-ops. Also had to do the same can of calculations for the same structure in Revit using SAP2000 and eQuest for structural and HVAC calculations respectively.

Response 2: Dee Dee Strohl
I agree with your post stating the major advantages of utilizing Revit and other BIM software. As I talked about in my own post the use of sharing a model has many benefits for all parties. Specifically, you discussed how it allows for many users to work on it and upload their specific MEP parts of the building and that can be automatically seen by the structural engineers so they know what they have to take into account for when designing.


Response 3: Tyler Wicker
After reading your post, I agree with the problems Alex has experienced in Revit. To be specific, the certain issue with Revit restricting the user to orthogonal pieces unless you create a module or family. I have experienced similar problems with Revit and find it very time consuming to create a new family each time unless one is saved in a database for future use.

Quelly Wk 3-1: B3, Revit v. Other Software

B3: Revit v. Other Software

Revit, first released in April of 2000, is the current drafting program of choice for Architectural engineers. It has the major advantage of design and display in 3D.

Maita - B3 Post

What are the current problems with Revit/BIM?

I believe that even though Revit and other BIM programs have mostly positive impacts, there are some problems with them. One of my main problems with Revit is the current availability as a program. This may not be considered a huge problem with the program as a whole but I do know a lot of different people who share this same opinion. During coops at Drexel, most students use BIM software like Revit or AutoCAD but more often CAD than Revit. In addition to this, there are little to no classes offered that teach students any sort of BIM. Freshmen have a half quarter course on CAD but that is about it. Revit is also not the most user-friendly program, especially if someone has experience in CAD and think that some of the techniques they have learned could be used in Revit. Things as simple as the move command have different shortcuts and are executed differently between the programs. I believe that this makes it harder for people to initially get the grasp of Revit and may turn some people away from the program.

Revit and other BIM programs have problems addressing other needs of engineers. Advanced structural analysis cannot be performed in many BIM programs which causes engineers to either create their designs in other programs, like SAP2000, or complete the calculations by hand. There is no good way to transfer the data that a user has inputted into Revit to other programs to perform other types of analysis on them. The same goes for HVAC analysis of buildings. Revit gives the user the ability to insert many ducts and vents into their building and to perform an okay flow analysis but to perform any high-level analysis of the building, all data must be input into another program, like eQuest. As stated above and in my post last week about interoperability, Revit currently does not allow the users to efficiently move their models into other programs for advanced analysis and does not offer means to perform the said analysis in the program itself.

Comments
Jordan: I like your point that soon buildings are going to be downloaded by a computer program rather than an engineer. I disagree somewhat with your post, however, I do think there will need to be a human element for design and construction. Your addition of the video was helpful to your point. 

Tyler: I completely agree with your friend Alex on all the problems and struggles that were faced with Revit. I also think that the point of using a personal story helps explain your point. I have experienced a lot of problems with Revit and have been in their shoes with the having to explain how programs work to other employees.

Chris: I like your comparisons between CAD and Revit; I think that Revit is a great program but CAD is always going to have a place in the field. I think CAD can be used for some simpler drawings and Revit is very useful for more complicated drawings or buildings.

Jianfeng Xiao - Blog 3

BIM, building information modeling, is the 3D base process involve generation and management in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. Revit is the most popular BIM software currently. BIM performs great functions in a project’s lifecycle, which is often used in design, construction and management process, which is a project lifecycle. In the following, I will introduce the current advantage of BIM used in these three processes.

For the design phase, BIM can be used to conduct complex model. Compare to the 2D drawing, the BIM provide a more visualized and precise view of building and infrastructure. Through the generation of the 3D models in BIM, designers and constructors can easily understand and analyze the complex model for the on-site work. In addition, the clash detection function allow designer to avoid conflict in designing and find issue early in designing phase but not on the site. This will save some time and cost.

For the construction phase, BIM provide the sharing and modify function. Designer and constructors and share the models and document in the cloud. They do not need to bring a bunch of plan set for discussion. They can analyze model directly on the BIM, and the design plan can be simulated for more productivity function. Furthermore, if any changes required in the working site, designers can modify in the BIM directly. They do not need to redesign the whole plan like the traditional way. Furthermore,

For the management phase, BIM database is connected to the infrastructure. The managers can monitor the real time status. If there is any issue, the BIM database could navigate it and report to the manager. The manager can get to the spot very quick to check problem, which save some time and avoid additional loss.

Although there are still concerns and problems in using BIM, the advantage of BIM already develop the project into a higher level. By comparing the traditional way and BIM software, it is clearly to see how BIM used can improve the project performance.

Sources:

Li, Jian, et al. “Benefits of Building Information Modelling in the Project Lifecycle: Construction Projects in Asia.” SAGE JOURNALS, journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.5772/58447#articleCitationDownloadContainer.

Alyssia.Deutsch Comment:

Alyssia,

You did a good job showing your perspective of future problem of BIM/Revit. I agree that the BIM/Revit will be too advanced or too simple. But I do not agree that BIM will be too difficult to learn and not adopted widely. I think the BIM tools are updated every year with just small update or few new functions, it is still easy for new or old users to learn. In addition, with more function produce, the BIM will be use more widely. Because it can solve more problems.

Tyler Wicker Comments:

Tyler,

You did a good job explaining the current problems of BIM/Revit. I agree that the developer should create a more efficiency way for platforms to work together. As one BIM tool only do part of the overall jobs, many programs will be used together to finish a project. The problem of data or model transfer will be a big problem. If develop can solve this problem, I think it would convenience the project.

Lauren Kujawa Comments:

Lauren,

I agree with your comparison between Revit and AutoCAD. AutoCAD is more like a 2D drawing showing the plan. You need to imagine the work site when read the plan. But Revit will generate the 3D directly once you draw the 2D plan. This present the visualize view of real work site, which help designer to understand the works.