Sarina Tufano BIM Chapter 2

This chapters mostly talks about BIM design. I really enjoyed the section that talks about the creation of computer generated modeling. I never knew the logic or code behind how modeling on a computer works and it turns out that it's just Boolean functions. I find this very interesting because something as simple as a bunch of Boolean functions is where our very advanced computer modeling programs come from. It's also interesting how different shapes can be made and to make extrusions you can revolve the object. This reminds me of Calculus 2, where we talked about a cross-sectional shape revolving around an axis to create a 3-D shape.

As I continue to read, I come across a section talking about parametric modeling of buildings. The section continues to talk about how companies like Boeing and the John Deere Company designed their airplanes and tractors, respectively, in these programs. I guess I never realized it but all the parts that make up airplanes and tractors are made through computer modeling. This is interesting to me because you can now think about all the job that come from the fact that John Deere a tractor supplies coming is using BIM or CAD. I never thought about computer engineers working for John Deere Company but now it makes so much sense. I have never thought about how they make individual parts of a tractor which explains how I have never realized that they use computer modeling programs. It's a good thing I read this chapter. What is also interesting is that John Deere doesn't only use the program to create the part, they can alter them according to each tractor that they produce. The same thing applies for the airplane parts at Boeing. At Boeing, they alter the part depending on the interior design, fabrication and aerodynamic performance.

Before reading this chapter, I thought that BIM was it's own computer program but now I know that BIM is a design tool that is previously installed into other computer modeling programs. Architectural design applications that already have BIM include, ArchiCAD v14, Bentley Architecture v8.i, Revit Architecture v2011, Vectorworks 2010 and Digital Project V1, R4, SP 7. Other applications that have some sort of functioning BIM include, Tekla v16.1, Design Data SDS/2, Revit MEP v9.1 (objects), AutoCAD MEP (objects and blocks) and Bentley Mechanical and Electrical v8.i. These design programs have objects that are used to modify existing building objects, including openings, joints, walls, slabs, problems with roofing, beam connectors, columns and various structural materials. BIM can also do more precise modeling of inside beams, columns, walls, piping, reinforced concrete and even metal duct work. With the level of intricacy that can be reached today through BIM modeling there is no stopping the level of detail we can begin to program with in the near future.

Comments:

Tyler Wicker
After reading your summary of the Interperability chapter, I was thinking of possible solutions for the problems caused by this interperability. One solution for the platform to platform exchange issue could be that everyone works on a merge document. All of the data that is supposed to be there will stay or get altered with each new merge. The issue with double checking the works can be done by artificial intelligence since they can check things and maybe even fix them at a fraction of the time and cost that a human can.

Jacob Wahbeh
After reading your summary of the BIM for Contractors chapter, I became more and more interested about contractors using BIM. I never really thought that there was a need for them to be using a program until I read more of your summary. I also think it's cool how you could relate what you read about in this class to your Co-Op and how you actually used BIM for LF Driscoll.

Carlos Hillinger
After reading your summary of BIM for Owners and Facility Managers chapter, I agree with that you have to say when you mention that the most important stages of a building start with BIM. I also agree that it does affect the cost, energy, safety and quality of improvements of the building. Very good idea for adding that video at the end of your summary. Videos are always a good way to inform the reader visually. Sometimes we might not always be able to tell people what we mean but we can more easily show them.