What are the problems with Revit/BIM right now?

From the Autodesk University lecture, the ideal BIM design should be such a model: all the majors in the design institute work together on the same model, and the architectural model is created by the architectural profession. On the basis of the architectural model, other majors deepen the information of the model and carry out their respective professional design. After the design is completed, the owner is provided with a complete comprehensive model. Visual model design, collaborative design, performance analysis, and pipeline synthesis have been implemented in this model. According to the BIM model provided by the design institute, the owner extends to the construction and operation and maintenance direction to realize the BIM capability of the whole life cycle of the building. This is an ideal thing, but in reality, it will encounter the following problem:

Problem 1: BIM synergy can cause short board effects

In the traditional industry, the various majors of architectural design are basically single-handed. Under such this status, to achieve BIM design, it is equivalent to continuously solve two problems, that is, working alone to collaborative work, and then to three-dimensional design. In solving problems, it is required to advance at the same time in various professions. If any major fails to keep up, it will cause short-board effects and drag the entire team. It can be seen that the synergy of BIM is a double-edged sword. At this time, the managers of the design enterprises need to have a sustained long-term investment in technology upgrades, and have strong management objectives. For the current design institute, this requirement is indeed not low.

Problem 2: Can talent and technical support keep up with the needs of BIM design?

In the era of CAD design, the functions of IT departments are relatively simple. Generally speaking, the work is mainly limited to the upgrading of computer hardware and various network management tasks. However, in the era of BIM design, enterprises have very high requirements for IT support. First, computer single-machine configuration and server configuration need to be well matched. At the same time, because BIM design is a multi-software and multi-user collaboration process, IT departments need various professional software. At the same time, continuous training for employees at all levels can be achieved. In a word, BIM design is not only a matter for designers, but also a system project that requires engineering designers and IT support staff to complete. All in all, engineering knowledge professionals having a low level of cognition and acceptance of BIM and the mismatch between BIM software standards and actual applications are another major problem right now.

Problem 3: The implementation of AI and automation code is difficult.

We now have BIM, and more and more proposed building designs are being modeled in BIM, rather than in CAD. In theory, it should make automatic code checking easier. However, there are still deficiencies in the AI technology and automatic programming in BIM. The cumbersome operation process increases the workload and reduces the efficiency. I hope that when revisit the topic of automatic code review again, we will have more discussions, not only in terms of technical solutions, but also in the implementation of regulatory agencies.

Although these are temporary obstacles to the development of BIM technology, the advantages of BIM technology visualization, integration and parameterization have become the future direction in the construction industry. About the trend of BIM development, these problems will be solved under the guidance of policies in the future.

Reference:

Kenneth Wong, “Prelude to GTC: Design Software That Mimics the Way You Think and Work”, April 13,2017,

https://www.digitalengineering247.com/article/prelude-to-gtc-design-software-that-mimics-the-way-you-work-and-think/

Lachmi Khemlani, “Automating Code Compliance in AEC”, AECbytes Feature, October 22, 2015, http://www.aecbytes.com/feature/2015/AutomatingCodeCompliance.html

William Speakman,“3D Scanning for Better BIM: An MEP Firm's Search for an Alternative to Laser Scanning”, AECbytes Viewpoint, February 11, 2016, http://www.aecbytes.com/viewpoint/2016/issue_77.html

Comment:

To  Harvin Bhandal

I agree with you. As you said, as automation technology improves, companies can only switch to keep up. Those who learn this technology can continue to develop in this industry. But as for the development time, I think it is possible to reach the highly intelligent nature mentioned in your article within 10 years. The development of the information industry is growing at an exponential rate, and the impact on BIM technology is also great, so I think the changes in the construction industry will be huge in the next 10 years.

To Matt Mullen 

I think your analysis of the Future of the AEC Industry in 10 Years is very interesting. The owner will no longer communicate with the subcontractor through the general contractor, and the general contractor will only talk to the architect after the design has a problem. By using algorithmic modeling and BIM, it's very interesting to work with everyone in the project from the start of the project to quickly design and build buildings. This can better reduce the communication costs of each link and improve construction efficiency.

To  Hailey Ihlow

I am happy with your level of mastery of Revit software, and as you said, almost everyone in your office knows a certain degree of Revit. There is no doubt that BIM technology will dominate in the next 10 years, but it does not rule out the emergence of more efficient technology than using BIM. There is a problem with your blog, the length is a bit short, and you can't explain your point very well.