B2-Core Technologies and Software

AE410: Blog #2

— Core Technologies and Software —

For this blog post, I read Chapter 2 of the BIM: Handbook. This chapter discusses the main technology that distinguishing BIM design applications from earlier-generation CAD systems. At its simplest form, BIM design consists of parametric modeling works by representing objects by parameters and rules that automatically determine its geometrical/non-geometrical properties and features. This allows objects to update automatically according to what the user decides and as the context changes.  One major benefit of parametric modeling is the intelligent design behavior of objects.

The chapter covers the evolution of object-based parametric modeling, the different degrees of parametric modeling, custom/pre-defined parametric libraries and objects, as well as BIM environment, tools, and platforms. For this post, I decided to focus on the different BIM platforms that are available nowadays. This caught my attention since I was not aware of the various platforms available and their capabilities.

BIM platforms can be used in various ways and by different users for building construction. Architects can use it for design modeling and drawing, engineers for managing energy or structural data, and contractors can find it useful to develop fabrication detailing or construction coordination models.

The platforms discussed in this chapter are the following:

·   Allplan:

This platform consists of various software modules for architecture, engineering, and facility management. Allplan has a unique modeling approach of combining 2D with 3D drawings information; it has a clear visual interface that allows one to work in 2D, 3D, or mixed views In addition, this software relies on using different layers to represent horizontal planes.

·      ArchiCAD

One of the oldest BIM applications, ArchiCAD t includes modeling capabilities for site planning and for interiors and provides strong space planning capabilities. ArchiCAD has links to multiple tools in different domains including structural, mechanical, energy, and environmental engineering tools, visualization tools, and facility management tools. It has large object libraries and a rich suite of supporting applications in design, building systems, and facility management. It supports all phases of design work except fabrication detailing.

·      Bentley Systems

This platform offers products for architecture, engineering, infrastructure, and construction. Bentley systems support modeling curved surfaces and developing custom parametric objects using tools like B-Spline and Parametric Cell Studio.

·      DESTINI Profiler

DESTINI Profiler is unique in that its main function is focused on the cost of construction and operation. It supports economic assessments of the conceptual design of different building  types, based on the room types, and building structural and site parameters. The construction type of objects can be changed from one material to another without changing the object’s shape, which give cost estimators control of the projecting costing.

·      Digital Project

Digital Project (DP) is another unique software in that it supports fabrication. This platform is good for developing complex parametric assemblies, making it a useful modeling platform for aerospace and automotive industries. DP has a set of tools designed to integrate manufactured product design with engineering. In addition, it supports the routing for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing layouts.

·      Revit

A great design platform thanks to its user friendly and highly intuitive software. A feature that makes Revit a powerful software is its wide range of supporting applications. For instance, Revit interfaces with AutoCAD Civil for sure analysis, with Autodesk for manufacturing components, and with LANDCADD for site analysis. It is also able to provide quantity takeoff for cost estimation by interfacing with applications like Tocoman iLink. In addition, Revit is able to import models from different application like SketchUp and Rhino.

·      Tekla Structures

Tekla Structures is a platform concentrated on the modelling of structures. Initially, its main structure was Xsteel, however, it now supports timber and precast concrete design and fabrication-level detailing for structural and architectural precast. Moreover, the recent addition of construction management capabilities and a structural design application allow the software to be used for fabrication.

·      VectorWorks

This platform provides a wide variety of tools in order to serve various industries. Vectorworks can be used by architecture and interior applications as well as for landscaping/site design. In addition, it can be used for lighting and production design. It is able to provide light control simulations and static analysis of temporary structures.

All these platforms show the functionality of BIM design and shows that so far, we have scratched the surface of BIM capabilities.

Works Cited

Eastman, Chuck, et al. BIM Handbook : A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Designers, Engineers, Contractors, and Facility Managers, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2018.

Amanda,

I like the point that you made about how BIM is beneficial when applied early on the construction phase of a project. I think this is key in order to maximize the performance of a building as you are able to see how the different systems of the building's interact. This is of the owner's best interest because early input on the building's performance can result in higher efficiency and a reduction in long term cost.

Isabel,

I think you made a great point in the the seamless interaction between application's is vital for the functionality and success of a project. I have many times struggles to transfer data in between modeling platforms, which make analysis harder and longer to perform. Being able to jump from one application to another without any issues allows for data to be more accurate and for better analysis to be performed.

Maddie,

You make a great point about the advantages of using BIM during the conceptual phase of a project. It is important that all participants of a project communicate with each other early on in order to maximize the building's performance. I agree with you that it is hypothetically easy to consider a more collaboratively environment between architects and engineers, but that this is something that we still don't see implemented. I think people in our industry like to stick to what they are used to instead of trying new methods, which needs to change in order to make new advancements in our fields.