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.