Revit is building information
modeling software that allows both designers and contractors have access to the
thousands of pieces of information that go into designing a building. Revit is
both the present and it shows a glimpse into what the future of design and
construction is. Revit is similar to Autocad and other 2-D drafting because
Revit allows for simple design in two dimensions. It can be used to create
plans, elevations and section drawings. But Revit does so much more than just
simple drafting. Revit is classified as a BIM software, meaning it generates
and stores data and information on the building being design. Autocad cannot do
this. BIM softwares allow the user(s) to analysis the building after its design
phase. This means Revit can be used as a construction management tool and can
create schedules. Also Revit can be used to analysis the whole life cycle of
the building, constantly updating and generating information on the building
and the it’s usage. Revit is autocad with all the fixings, it can do the work
of Autocad but allows for a more sophistic design. One feature that separates
Revit from CAD is the idea of families. In CAD, there is blocks, which are 2-D
symbols that represents a certain fixture or appliance. Revit introduces
families which are similar to blocks but they include proper information and
parameters of the fixture. The fixture now has information like voltage or
manufacturer that the design or constructor can use to benefit the project.
Revit allows for collaborated design, it allows for more than one person to
work on the model at the same time. This is why Revit is so popular in IPD, a
new project delivery method that relies on constant team collaboration. Revit
meets the needs of the new direction of the industry. The general consensus on
IPD and Revit is that Revit is the best software to implement IPD. Many
websites on the internet talk about the great capabilities of Revit, and how it
should be implemented, to a certain degree these sites are correct. Learning
Revit is vital for young engineers, but that being said, learning Autocad is
still very important. Because Revit is still progressing, there are certain
things that are best suited for Autocad and cannot be done in Revit. For
example, electrical single line diagrams cannot be done in Revit and need to be
drawn in Cad and imported to a Revit sheet.
Comments:
Brad,
I think your experience working for General Contractors gives the advantage you talked more creditability. I think your ideas are very helpful in this instance because many of our classmates think of the design components that Revit offers but there are many tools in Revit that are designed with GCs in mind. I think Revit will definitely change contractor’s way of handling projects, because now they have a model that has the ability to eliminate the use of more applications.
I think your experience working for General Contractors gives the advantage you talked more creditability. I think your ideas are very helpful in this instance because many of our classmates think of the design components that Revit offers but there are many tools in Revit that are designed with GCs in mind. I think Revit will definitely change contractor’s way of handling projects, because now they have a model that has the ability to eliminate the use of more applications.
Kerry,
I think you make a couple of really good points about the future problems that come BIM and Revit. I think that some of the problems are problems that exist now, for example smaller firms might not want to implement BIM as much because they don’t have the proper network to support such a large file(s). Hopefully with cloud based storage, this problem won’t be a big deal in future.
Lauren,
I really think you made a bunch of good points about the relationships between Revit and Autocad. I think your experience in Microstation is helpful in using AutoCad, Ive heard that the two programs are similar as well. Therefore I think Revit wouldn't be too difficult to learn. I think you made a good point about the clash detection in Revit, because it such a useful tool for the industry.
Chris,
ReplyDeleteYour post has some good points, I just have some questions about IPD. In a lot of my classes, IPD is touted as the next big thing. You even mention that Revit enhances IPD greatly through collaboration and design factors. However, I just want to know why is Revit so popular but IPD is not? IPD is talked about all the time in class, but even large companies have little experience putting it into practice. What is that missing link and how can BIM improve the relationship?
Chris,
ReplyDeleteI think you made some really good comparisons between traditional CAD and Revit. I think you make a really good point about how CAD is still necessary for design projects. Similar to your discussion about electrical single line diagrams, many design firms still use CAD for drawing design details. CAD allows for simpler single lines and shapes to be made, as opposed to only being able to draw 3-D objects or families. As you mentioned, skills in both programs is important for all engineers to possess.
I have worked extensively with AutoCAD over all 3 of my co-ops but never had the opportunity to learn much about Revit. My co-op was with a Civil Site Design team, so CAD was our number 1 tool. I feel that one of the advantages we have as students right now is that we are being exposed to many different computer programs right now which will help us to be able to learn how to use them more easily in the future. We already know that advancements in design technology will continue to change and improve how we as engineers work in the future, so it is critical that we are able to continue to learn an adapt as well.
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