{"id":2308,"date":"2015-04-21T11:21:35","date_gmt":"2015-04-21T11:21:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vertexcad.com\/bd\/?p=2308"},"modified":"2023-01-18T11:03:25","modified_gmt":"2023-01-18T11:03:25","slug":"what-is-building-information-modeling-bim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vertexcad.com\/bd\/2015\/04\/21\/what-is-building-information-modeling-bim\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Building Information Modeling (BIM)?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You\u2019re most likely familiar with computer-aided design (CAD) like AutoCAD. This software allows engineers to design 2D and 3D drawings of every facet of a product. Building information modeling (BIM) is similar except the software helps plan, design, analyze and create digital drawings of a facility\u2019s structural and operational elements.<\/p>\n

And it does much more.<\/p>\n

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BIM definition<\/h3>\n

National Building Specification (NBS) defines BIM as \u201ca rich information model, consisting of potentially multiple data sources, elements of which can be shared across all stakeholders and be maintained across the life of a building from inception to recycling (cradle to cradle). The information model can include contract and specification properties, personnel, programming, quantities, cost, spaces and geometry.\u201d<\/p>\n

The key to BIM is the detailed and specific information provided that\u2019s not found in traditional CAD. While CAD does create a two-dimensional design and addresses the materials including types, amount needed, and so on, it does not address personnel, quantities, spaces and performance requirements. The rich information BIM contains improves the quality of the design, keeps costs low, makes changes easier to implement, lowers construction costs, and shortens construction time.<\/p>\n

Users can manage the building and its infrastructure with BIM software. CAD alone does not eliminate the need for documentation needed in the designing, construction and operation of buildings. BIM software has intelligence that can be used by other disciplines. It allows the team to simulate the building\u2019s behavior before construction begins. The software can model plans for office parks, redeveloping communities, urban renewal and towns.<\/p>\n

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The I in BIM<\/h3>\n

BIM brings together building information resources (BIR), building information interfaces (BII) and building information models (BIM). Before BIM, the architect would design the building then hand it off to the engineer who would add the structural and HVAC calculations. Then the contactor would do the cost estimate. With BIM, everyone can collaborate at the same time saving time going back and forth. It also prevents information loss that occurs when one team hands off to another.<\/p>\n

BIM makes it possible for all stakeholders \u2014 ranging from facilities managers and suppliers to manufacturers and procurement to project managers \u2014 to be involved in the building\u2019s lifecycle within one application. In using BIM, companies gain intelligence that allow them to manage costs, reduce waste of materials, eliminate unbudgeted changes, save on costs from clash detections, minimize the facility\u2019s use of energy and provide accurate cost estimates.<\/p>\n

BIM benefits:<\/p>\n