The Promise of BIM

Traditional drafting is very time consuming and ineffective compared to modern BIM technologies. BIM allows architects and engineers to easily input building information and draft entire buildings in one model. As such, clash analysis of building elements becomes easier to detect in a 3-D virtual environment. Additionally, BIM software is capable of extracting data from entities in the model into the form of “smart schedules.” Building information also reduces redundant labor in the design process. Models created using Revit or other BIM software can be exported into programs that analyze certain aspects of the buildings design. [1]

Clash analysis of building elements such as ducts and beams, helps mitigate potential in-field construction issues. Additionally, coordination between building elements in a 3-D environment is conducive to designing comprehensive buildings with coordination between building disciplines. BIM software conjunctively aids in the optimization of building systems and their operation using available add-ons to Revit. This helps Architects and Engineers reduce energy costs and consequentially the CO2 footprint in buildings. [2] Traditional hand drafting and calculations are not as comprehensive and do not allow the engineer to compare different building systems solutions. By using BIM, architects and engineers contribute to environmental stewardship and sustainability in design.

BIM software takes views of the building model to create plans. Changes made in the model are propagated throughout all the plans to reduce redundant labor. Not only does this create coherent, well-coordinated plans, but it also mitigates monetary losses. Additionally, an advantage that BIM has over traditional drafting in this regard is the ability to update room areas, family properties, and other important building information when these elements are worked on in the model. These elements can also be connected into building systems which can be examined using analytical add on software. [3]

The advantages of BIM over other methods of representing building plans are demonstrated through the wide adoption of software such as Revit. By streamlining the design process to eliminate unwieldy methods, designers have the tools to improve building designs which has other positive implications.

[1] Meng, et al. Study on Improving Engineering Information Management by Interating BIM and Internet of Things,Advances in Computer Science Research (ACSR) No. 83, (2018)

[2] Sandvik an Fougner. BIM as a Tool for Sustainable Design, Research Gate, (2018)

[3] Sampaio.Building Information Modeling (BIM) Aplications in an Education Context, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Lisbon, (2018)

Comments:

To Harvin Bandal: 

I also had a similar experience with older engineers not being able to use modern design software. I found their hands-on experience to be valuable, but it was difficult to communicate with them because I think they have a different concept of how a building should be designed. In order to design more efficient buildings, I think that these older engineers should either learn how to use design software or be rendered obscure by people who are willing to learn the design software.

To Jenny Fretta: 

I concur that entire buildings will not be printed. However, I think that different components can be printed and then manufactured automatedly. I think the future for construction workers is bleak regarding the need for them to labor in ways other than to maintain the robots that do their current job for them.

To Gabriel Grajewski: 

I disagree about the building industry not manipulating data. I have designed HVAC systems for past co-ops and more often than not, in order to design an HVAC system effectively, data must be manipulated to yield comprehensive design solutions.

B3 Revit's Relation to Drafting Programs - Alkiviadis Tsitsios

Revit and AutoCAD are both Autodesk design softwares which are used to design a variety of components to a construction project. The main difference between the two is that AutoCAD is a computer-aided design drafting program. It is used for accurate drawings, both 2D and 3D. It has access to many industry toolsets. It is a more general drawing tool that can be applied to a large amount of projects with a broad application. Revit, on the other hand, is a building-specific design software. It offers documentation solution, and is used throughout all of the phases of a construction project. It can be used to plan, model, design, construct, and even manage infrastructure with the many tools that it contains. While the two softwares have different functions, their core purpose is the same. To help model and visualize the design of a certain project.
AutoCAD and Revit coincide and can be used together. 2D designs compiled in AutoCAD can be exported into Revit, to incorporate building designs and functions. Revit can then use its BIM capabilities, and create intelligent components of designs. AutoCAD is often the first step, while Revit steps in to provide BIM deliverables, enabling collaboration with other factions who may be using the design at hand. For example, in AutoCAD, ducts are often represented just as lines. The lines are indicators of the ducts with no additional information, unless it was labeled and detailed in a table elsewhere. With Revit, the AutoCAD data can be turned into components of a system. Not only that, the components can even have technical specifications, and proper materials can be assigned. AutoCAD has the capability of creating 3D models as well, but they are solely geometric with no component information. Revit models contain component information.
AutoCAD is the predecessor to Revit, launched in 1982. As it has been updating regularly, Revit launched in 2000. When Autodesk purchased Revit, the potential was very clear. Revit can be used to further develop AutoCAD drawings. As technology is improving and new buildings are erecting, building systems are improving as well. Revit fills that gap as AutoCAD is used for existing buildings and renovations projects regularly. Overall, the two go hand in hand as leading design softwares in the industry. CITATIONS Tobias, Michael. “How Do AutoCad and Revit Compare?” MEP Engineering & Design Consulting Firm, New York Engineers, 15 May 2018, www.ny-engineers.com/blog/how-do-autocad-and-revit-compare. YIDI LI Great way to correlate BIM with the future of AI development. As AI technology improves, the importance for BIM becomes more relevant. Automation will increase. While AutoCAD is still primary as you said, BIM will become an important component of an engineer’s skill set regardless. As the technology improves, it is important to adapt with the times. WEIYI TANG Data optimization is in AEC’s future as you mentioned, I do not agree that it will take as long as you say though. It is true that Haste makes waste, but as the intelligent technology industry is growing exponentially, industries which are correlated must follow. Yes, it will not become true instantaneously, but I believe the transition will be more swift than you think. It is so easy to share information between programs in modern times, which will speed the transition. It is not like decades ago, where computer aided implementation was a groundbreaking difference. YICHENG LI I was intrigued by your problem 2, where IT departments will need to improve just as the technology does. The requirements rise, and departments will have to re educate themselves on the industry. Also, they will need to hire qualified personnel.