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.

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.

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. 

Dee Dee Strohl - Blog 3

What are the current advantages of Revit/BIM?

BIM is the leading technology in not only in the field of architecture, but the engineering field as well. The software isn’t just for buildings; it’s for all disciplines. There is such a broad variety of programs and capabilities of the software. For building design, Revit is the most used and understood by the different disciplines.

Capturing reality

With BIM, a working model can be sketched in a matter of hours that easily conveys a design idea to other engineers or the client. You can show every view of the building including 3D views and interiors. Design elements can be changed quickly, as needed. You can see how all the design elements are interconnected. BIM allows you to simulate and visualize a variety of scenarios, like different sun angles with the change of the seasons. From that, you can also run energy performance simulations that give designers a way to quantify improvements.

Sharing of a model

The ability to share a model connects all disciplines and streamlines the design process. In my previous blog posts, I’ve discussed seeing this advantage firsthand at co-op. I was working in an MEP firm and we were working with external architects and structural engineers for a project. Whenever changes were made to the architecture model, those changes were shown in the structural and MEP models, and vice versa. This allowed design changes in all disciplines to be made quickly. It improved collaboration on the project. One other feature that was crucial to the design process was clash detection. With this technology, the system recognizes when an electrical receptor or ductwork or any other element is designed where they will run through each other. On-site clashes can be incredibly expensive and time consuming, so detecting them early is key. CBIM made it easier and cheaper to find clashes, thus improving the construction process as well.

There’s a huge economic benefit to using BIM for the reasons stated above. The software can be used at every step of the process, not just design. It can also be helpful for project managers and used throughout the construction process. In addition, it’s easy to create plans that can be sent to the client or city council to be approved. Overall, BIM, and Revit specifically, are making the design and build process of a building easier and faster than ever. As Kayleigh said, Revit might be at the forefront now, but there’s more to come.

Sources:

“Building Information Modeling for the Win: Top 10 Benefits of BIM.” Autodesk. https://www.autodesk.com/redshift/building-information-modeling-top-10-benefits-of-bim/

“Productivity Benefits of BIM.” New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, http://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/whats-happening/news/document-image-library/nz-bim-productivity-benefits.pdf

COMMENTS:

Lauren Kujawa:

I agree with what you said about AutoCAD. I’ve used both for projects, and though AutoCAD is great for creating line diagrams, it’s difficult to create an entire building in the software. I’ve used Revit for most projects and see both the advantages and disadvantages. We’ve been using it for our AE 391 project and it’s given us a lot of headaches. It’s an amazing software but also incredibly infuriating. I’ve never worked with MicroStation and wonder what sort of projects you have made in it for the transportation sector; I’m not very familiar with the discipline.

Allison Abad:

I agree that as time goes on BIM will continue to improve the collaboration between disciplines. I really hope that more projects will take on an integrated approach because of the continuing capabilities of BIM. I think with more integrated buildings, we would be on the way to creating more energy efficient and “greener” buildings. With the past and present ways of the building design process, the architect makes the design and everything is sequential from there, which isn’t efficient in design or construction—it can cause a lot of problems. I hope you’re right that BIM will continue to have advantages in the architecture and engineering fields.

Tyler Wicker:

I agree with what your friend Alex: Revit is great once you’ve been exposed to it and worked in it, but it’s not user friendly initially. Even after using it regularly, I still get frustrated with it. Sometimes you just can’t get the program to do what you want or you get an error that doesn’t make any sense. I like using AutoCAD for similar tasks because, though it is also made by Autodesk, it is easy to understand and manipulate. I agree that interoperability is important for the design process and project efficiency. Here’s to hoping developers see this need and work to fill it. 

Abad - B3

What are the possible future advantages of Revit/ BIM?

Over the past few years, the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has come a long way in terms of what was considered possible to construct. With the use of BIM modeling, companies have been able to reduce costs of projects while also producing high quality renderings and analysis of buildings. There are several advantages to using BIM and Revit in the AEC industry including increased cost and time efficiency, more accurate analysis and estimates, and reaching sustainability targets. However, I believe that the future of BIM and Revit will lead to more collaborative work, more complex simulations, and continuous improvement of construction efficiency.

With the AEC industry rapidly adopting BIM as the leading software used in the design and planning of new buildings, this will allow for improved collaboration between teams. Since building systems are integrated with each other, it is only natural that the teams behind each system should work together during the design and planning phase. BIM would provide teams a chance to work together from the start, instead of only working together when there are conflicts. This collaborative process would minimize any mistakes or errors in the design, which would reduce the amount of time during construction.

One of the advantages of using BIM software such as Revit is that they can run simulations that traditional pen and paper designs could never accomplish. BIM software can simulate real world elements such as sunlight, wind and snow loads, and can populate the building. While this is being used today, BIM software can be further implemented to reduce energy use and construct sustainable buildings. Eliminating areas of energy waste such as building heat losses and improving energy efficiencies by introducing energy efficiency measures is most likely path that would be the future of BIM modeling.

Overall, I believe the greatest advantage of using BIM today is its ability to improve construction efficiency. Companies have been able to produce more accurate cost estimates and check for conflicts in the construction sequence with the help of BIM software. BIM’s increased use over the past few years has had a large impact on the AEC industry and has lead to reduced costs and better time management. With the addition of more collaborative work and the ability to run more complex simulations, the most important future advantage of BIM is to increase productivity and efficiency during the construction phase.

Comments:

Thomas S,
I enjoyed reading your post on the current problems with Revit and BIM. I agree with you that most BIM software is lacking on a total building analysis standpoint. With the introduction of Dynamo, I wonder if companies will start to utilize it since the biggest roadblock is the learning curve and cost of the software. I do think that Dynamo will be on the forefront of a total building analysis but only question is how long will it be until it becomes universally accepted?

Jordan S,
I really liked reading through your post on what you thought of the advantages of BIM and Revit. I like how you referenced the video by Mr. Allen. I'm curious to know if the streamlined BIM that he discusses in his video will limit the creative aspect of the design process. While I do think that making the design process more efficient, I also think that have a program generate a best-case design is limiting for the designer.

Sarina T,
I found your post on the possible problems that BIM and Revit will have in the future to be very interesting. I agree with you that the biggest problem that BIM would have in the future is the integration between other programs. I do think that they wouldn't have to rely on other programs such as SAP2000 like you said. If companies start integrating Dynamo early, I think the integration would be much easier.

Current Issues with BIM - Sarah Hollis

One of the major issues with REVIT in its current format is its lack of interoperability, linking in with my previous blog post. Too much copying between applications is going on manually, which uses up the valuable time of employers.

REVIT, in my opinion, has failed to recognize its importance after construction. BOMA, a company which analyses building areas and locations to price them for rent etc has been unable to use BIM applications for their area details. Energy usage BIM applications, on the whole, still lack the ability to coordinate with each other, so BIM is not as successful once the building has been built.

We watched an interesting speech by Bill Allen, titled ‘the future of BIM will not be BIM’ which raises some interesting points. I agree, that if BIM fails to develop accordingly with the rate of development of AI and Robotics then yes, we may no longer be using the term BIM in a few years-time. But, BIM will not stand still. Huge amounts of money is spent every year updating REVIT and quite frankly, I can’t see smaller businesses being able to afford AI and Robotic technology for at least a few decades.

Something which I had never fully considered before is the changes in construction legality that come with BIM. This is because BIM allows contractors to have a greater say in design, hence is it still fair that they can still sue the principle designers for due negligence when they too can alter the model. This is a question that has still not been resolved and is another major downfall to BIM.

Comments:

Shuster,

I agree, that this technology development is moving fast and does appear very exciting. However, I am not sure to the extent at which this technology will be adopted. It will take time at first for us to gain trust in this new method of design and even once we are happy with it, I feel design still needs a 'human touch'. The surroundings needs to be considered to design a building that fits but is not identical to those next door. Will this development reduce the amount of innovative building designs that stretch the parameters of design, because everything is being done 'by the book'?