BIM+Notes

Back //**Building Information Model Training and Support**//

A Building Information Model (BIM) is a 3-dimensional computer model that serv es as a single repository for the drawing and database information traditionally associated with the design, construction, and maintenance of a building. Such graphical information as plans and elevations and nongraphical information as specifications, schedules, and maintenance requirements are available from a single source. The ERDC Computer-Aided Design and Drafting/Geographic Information Systems Technology Center for Facilities, Infrastructure, and Environment (CADD/GIS Center) provides the expertise, standards, and onsite implementation support to execute BIM technology in the Federal design arena. The CADD/GIS Center is well-acquainted with the unique requirements of the Federal user including long-term management, operation, and maintenance of facilities in the Federal environment and the impact of the President's current Management Agenda.


 * //BIM (Building Information Modeling) Update//**
 * [[image:http://www.aia.org/SiteObjects/images/IAI-Overview.gif align="right"]] ||
 * The U.S. Information Foundation of BIM ||

BIM is what we all expected computer-aided design (CAD) to be, but now we know it requires information standards to be productive. Fortunately, we now have both information standards and software companies that support and empower them. BIM process, it's significantly more than transferring electronic versions of paper documents. It's more than pretty 3D renderings with construction documents as a separate function. It's about information use, reuse, and exchange, of which electronic documents are just a single component.

With all the benefits of a BIM process, why are some firms hesitant to change from electronic drafting to a model-based process? It may be the software they use. Certainly the software a firm uses defines and shapes its process options. Other firms may have a painful recollection of transitioning from paper to CAD without information standards and support from the CAD companies.


 * //Towards a Materials-Based Building Information Model//**

While the central ideas behind building information modeling (BIM) have been around for more than two decades, the paradigm-shifting concept that buildings should be designed and communicated via intelligent digital models—in lieu of paper drawings—has yet to establish a significant foothold in the mainstream of the building design professions. Commentators have attempted to diagnose the reasons behind this peculiar disconnect between the potential of the technology and its widespread adoption among architects and other building professionals. Most of them attribute this primarily to the reluctance of the design professions to replace their time-proven tools and production methods with disruptive new tools, whose profitable return on the significant investment they require has yet to be proven. Integrating the design-build process in the AEC industry and developing new types of partnerships between the concerned parties—particularly owners, designers, builders and manufacturers—are unquestionably critical first steps. However, in pursuing these objectives, we should not cease to be vigilant in assessing the software tools that claim to facilitate the BIM paradigm shift. Could it be that yet more intelligent and knowledge-laden tools could hasten the organizational transformations necessary for a fully realized implementation of BIM? Computers and digital technologies have changed almost every aspect of society, but they've only just begun to have a major impact in reshaping the architectural and building industries. While manufacturing, industrial design, entertainment, and many other areas that rely on design and production have been revolutionized, the effect on construction practices has been small. We still rely on hand labor, work from drafted drawings, and generate schedules and work plans in traditional ways. Even BIM (building information modeling), a methodology for storing complete information about a building in a computer model that is lauded as the newest innovation, is based on a 30-year-old concept introduced by Chuck Eastman, Ph.D., of Georgia Tech College of Architecture and Computing: "Building information modeling integrates all of the geometric model information, the functional requirements and capabilities, and piece behavior information into a single interrelated description of a building project over its lifecycle. It also includes process information dealng with construction schedules and fabrication processes." 3D modeling, virtual buildings, single building models, and other ideas have been used during the last decade or so. These concepts focus on two areas: The generation or extraction of 2D drawings from 3D building models to improve productivity in documentation, and the use of data embedded in objects contained in the model for the purposes of generating schedules and lists of materials.
 * //AEC From the Ground Up: The Building Information Model//**