BIM software is 3D design and modelling software that can be used to maximize design work for civil, plant, architecture, and MEP projects. It accomplishes this by:
- Helping to enhance building performance and create better design decisions
- Digitizing the building site and integrating data from the process of construction to handover
- Overseeing the planning, designing, and building of structures, pipelines, and procedures
- Increasing processes’ profitability, productivity, and predictability
- Encouraging project delivery success through enhanced design quality and teamwork
Main Features of BIM Software:
- 3D imaging with 2D drawings: They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create 2D or 3D images as well as fully digital technical drawings, such as floor plans, schematics, blueprints, and concept artwork.
- Modelling for design: Using drawing and modelling tools, create accurate blueprints for new building and architectural projects.
- Document management: Keep track of all drawings and photos related to construction projects that are connected to BIM.
- Plan: Organize several team members’ schedules to ensure that assignments are completed on time.
- Resolution of conflicts: Make sure that no incompatible parts overlap and that BIM plans are consistent all the way through the project. This is known as “collision detection.”
- Advanced research: Use performance data analysis to help create new architectural and building models.
Benefits of BIM
- Improved planning and design: BIM should make it possible to visualize a finished building and all of the M&E services and systems that are connected to it on a screen before any ground is broken. With the use of this knowledge, the architect may plan and create a more efficient use of the space and resources that are available.
- Simple design modifications are possible when users can make changes to a single BIM model because it is shared. This can be done in real-time so that everyone is working with the most recent information or at predetermined periods in preparation for follow-up design team meetings. This allows for the establishment of a collaborative workflow.
- Minimal rework on site: BIM makes possible trouble spots more visible and enables faults to be fixed through model “clash detection” prior to physical commitment. This results in labour and material savings by lowering the need for expensive site rework and revision.
- Prefabrication: Better productivity controls in a manufacturing environment away from a construction site can save time and money by enabling contractors and subcontractors to visualize the project and prefabricate work more simply and precisely offshore. This is made possible by BIM.
- Free software is available: complimentary “view only” software enables all project participants, regardless of stage, to use the finished model. Sotham has successfully implemented this on-site using portable tablets, giving the supervisor immediate access to the model for trade coordination. Looking at and analyzing different 2D drawings is far less instructive than viewing a 3D model.
- End users can get lifetime information: for those who use BIM, a plethora of easily accessible and readable data can be loaded into the model. Size, colour, supplier, and even maintenance data can be contained in any system or individual component inside the model. The days of using ring binders to take up valuable storage space and produce generic, often difficult-to-find information are long gone. Instead, manufacturers’ data is now digitized or photocopied.
Drawbacks of BIM
- Modelling Software: BIM software must be purchased in large quantities in order to carry out initial model development or modifications. Additionally, increasingly powerful PCs are needed to handle the massive amounts of data that are needed.
- Staffing & Training: When new software is implemented into a business, there is always a need for supplementary funding for personnel training and education. More employees also mean more office space and resources. The advantages of saving time on the job site typically outweigh the cost of hiring personnel and purchasing software, but only in cases where a large number of projects make use of this resource and the final model is correct and fully utilized.
- Any successful BIM project requires trust and cooperation, and the industry as a whole needs to undergo a culture shift. For a BIM project to function as intended, the standard procedure of tender, commercial agreement, and project award with a main contractor must be closely controlled against schedule and expectation. It is often necessary for all stakeholders to invest and exchange expertise prior to the client awarding the project.
- Client engagement: Frequently, the project specification or procurement framework will call for BIM, but the building’s end user or occupant will need to recognize or comprehend the continuous benefits of using the model to its fullest. The building crew spent time and effort filling the model with all the manufacturer data and maintenance information in the first place because the F&M information contained within the completed “as built” model is then disregarded.
Best BIM Software
The top BIM software programs are detailed on this page and are enumerated below.
1. SketchUp
Professionals, learners, and educators can all benefit from SketchUp, a 3D design application. Smartphones running iOS and Android provide access to cloud storage, community assistance, an introductory online 3D modeller, and standard model viewing. An excellent online 3D modeller and limitless cloud storage are included.
2. Procore
Procore is a software-driven construction management system. When construction workers use Procore’s cloud-based project management tools, it can help them complete high-quality projects on time and within budget. An application that combines conventional components is called Procore.
3. Allplan
Using the Allplan BIM software, engineers, contractors, and architects may work together more effectively during the design and construction phases. This BIM software suite is beneficial to civil and structural engineers, designers, and contractors alike. The element of this solution is optimization.
4. Project Viewpoint
A state-of-the-art document management system called Viewpoint For Projects is intended to make it easier to arrange, review, and distribute large amounts of project material. Vista provides a wide range of software solutions that are intended to help contractors integrate all aspects of their business.
5. Handle Fusion 360
Technologies based on clouds Fusion 360 Manage facilitates user-to-user collaborative development. Software for PCBs, CAM, CAE, and CAD is available. Design, engineering, electronics, and fabrication may all be done from one place. Industrial designers are its intended audience.
6. 3D Repo
The three-time-awarded digital platform 3D Repo (BIM) is designed for building information modelling. The 3D Repo is transforming the design and delivery of construction projects by reducing complexity, risk, and data democratization.
7. BIM 360 from Autodesk
Construction project teams can use real-time data from BIM 360, an integrated BIM platform, to make better decisions. The BIM 360 uses a variety of technologies to integrate your data and operations. One of the top programs now on the market is BIM 360.
8. InEight
Project management software for owners, contractors, engineers, architects, and other constructors worldwide has been created and tested in the field by InEight. Over 300,000 users and 750 clients worldwide depend on InEight for real-time analytics that helps management.
9. Tekla
Tekla is a group of structural engineers and construction experts that use model-based software. Designers and engineers can create 2D drawings and 3D models using a variety of building materials by using BIM software.
10. Revit
An Autodesk BIM tool called Revit makes it easier to create designs that work better and can be used in a variety of industries. It is straightforward for architects, engineers, contractors, and other building experts to debate and alter 3D models and floor plans.
11. Architect with Vectorworks
The Nemetschek Group developed the Vectorworks Architect program, which is intended for BIM and 3D modelling. When used in conjunction with popular applications like Revit and SketchUp, Vectorworks Architect can improve teamwork and communication among project participants. Being imaginative, accurate in one’s drawings, and present.
12. System Stratusvue
The StratusVue System is made up of three cloud-based software programs: BIMfx BIM-Enabled Data Closeout and Turnover, PlansandSpecs Project and Document Management, and BIMfx BIM-Enabled Data Turnover. BidVue offers a quick.
13. Enterprise Planning with CMiC
For your construction company, CMiC Enterprise Planning offers an enterprise perspective, a project perspective, and a sub-activity perspective on all present and future requirements. You may access the latest technical advancements in a range of fields with the CMiC.
14. Archicad
Archicad is a set of BIM and CAD software developed by GRAPHISOFT. During construction projects, Archicad makes it easier for engineers, constructors, architects, and designers to work together. Import/Export, Custom Graphic Labels, and Façade Design Tool.
15. Software for Project Management
The Project Management Software from Bidtracer is fully integrated with the Bid Management Module, but it can also be used separately. The documentation and management of construction projects are streamlined and expedited by our web-based software.
In summary
It is equally important to use BIM as a tool to update the information flow during a project as it is to do it right the first time. Although there is still room for improvement in terms of how efficiently BIM technologies may be used, a construction manager with access to BIM can do jobs rather quickly thanks to existing procedures.
These tasks will get even faster as users gain more expertise with the software and the procedure it is used for. This chapter covered using an updated Revit file to run a schedule clash detection report in Navisworks, exporting your clash report to both Navisworks and Adobe Acrobat Professional, updating your quantities and costs, and linking the new file into Innovaya.
