B2 - BIM For Owners And Facility Managers -- Abdul

BIM has changed design, building, and development. However, the extraordinary capability of BIM is to create precise and important data, not simply during the process of constructing and developing a solitary structure, but additionally during the lifecycle of an entire portfolio of facilities. The utilization of BIM innovation in the operational period of a structure's lifecycle is simply starting to grab hold, as developers search for better approaches to improve their management tasks. Lifecycle BIM is the act of making, maintaining, and using building data to oversee the activities and upkeep of structures all through their operational lifecycles. Facility managers are discovering an incentive in various sectors of building tasks that benefit from enhanced data.

This chapter summarizes the BIM applications from the owner's perspective and the respective benefits associated with those applications. It provides an overview that motivates all types of owners to adopt BIM technologies and describes the different types of BIM applications available today. Which are: design assessment, the complexity of facilities, time to market, cost reliability and management, product quality, in terms of leakages, malfunctions, unwarranted maintenance, sustainability, asset management, and changes to the facility over its Lifecycle. 

By understanding the subtleties of how space is utilized, facility professionals can lessen issues, and at last accomplish significant decreases in costs. Some structure planning experts are using the information in future and substitution costs in BIM models. This helps an owner comprehend the advantages of putting resources into materials and systems that may cost more initially, yet have a superior recompense over the life of the structure.

Source: BIM_handbook_A_guide_to_building_information_modeling_for_owners_managers_designers_engineers_and_contractors. Accessed 21 Jan 2020.


Comments:-


Andre Morris: I appreciate that you discuss the high costs and initial funds needed to integrate these kinds of technological processes into corporations. so often, costs are overlooked for the shiny and bright future of technology and we can’t forget that for smaller firms, these upgrades require massive capital, that can oftentimes be hard to obtain.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/b2-chapter-6-bim-for-contractors-andre.html?showComment=1579639464264#c1664341645140412327


Liam Ossenfort: You discuss how the occupation of construction would change entirely. would you consider using this technology in your own work? what challenges do you see for yourself given our education in adapting to new technologies that enter our sector? do you fear the change that will come or do you embrace it?
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/blog-2-liam-ossenfort.html?showComment=1579639684418#c2685563733810709570


Brian Mynaugh: How long would it take to learn this program and do you see it fitting easily into modern training methods? I like that You know that once you use it more you will create your own database of projects. This could be a fantastic way to Integrate old methods with new ones.  
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/b2-mynaugh.html?showComment=1579641244688#c1466905371531292083

B2 - Chapter 6: BIM for Contractors - Andre Morris

This chapter went into how BIM could be used by contractors and the benefits and advantages this kind of software presents. One section of this chapter that I found most interesting was section 6.12 BIM In the Field. This section discusses the types of applications for which utilizing BIM software would be advantageous in the field. It goes into the use of BIM for Augmented Reality which I have had experience with in my professional work from a design engineer standpoint. Not only is this a great tool from a contractor standpoint for in the field clash mitigation and planning it can also be used as a tool for client presentations. This can prove to be a real selling point for clients when they get to actually see a modeled version of their building sitting in front of them. I also thought that from a construction stand point, getting to see where ducts and pipes are going to be put before the work is done does a great job at reducing the mistakes and catching errors before they become an issue.

              Another interesting portion of this chapter was the us of BIM software for estimating and scheduling which is an aspect where I believe there is a high level of disconnect between contractors and the design team. In a IPD design process where contractors are brought in early in the process and utilize proper BIM tools, the estimating and scheduling process can be done much more officially. In lieu of hand counting and recounting as design changes are made, counts are able to be easily exported from model data and can be updated much more efficiently as design changes are made. I do however, also appreciate the acknowledgement of the initial high costs of firms implementing these processes with this kind of software as it requires a large overhaul and licensing purchases. This is a real concern and should be properly taken into consideration.

              Implementing the use of BIM software by contractors provides a much more efficient construction process with less error which altogether leads to lower cost.

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.

Brian Mynaugh
I also like BIM software's ability to spot mistakes in design. You brought up a really interesting use of this technology in spotting errors from a code perspective. I think its also interesting how this software can be used to mitigate errors and discover mistakes from a coordination perspective. In a 3D model environment as opposed to a 2D environment, every piece contains information and its unique, not just lines. This allows say mechanical equipment the mechanical engineer draws to show up on the Electrical engineer's plans so that it can be powered properly without having to copy and paste everything. This reduces the oversights caused by design changes not being properly communicated throughout the team. BIM also helps with clash detection and improving the actual constructability of the project.

Michael Manley
Reading the chapters of this book made me realize that the company that I work at is only barely using Revit for all of the capabilities that BIM software possesses and this is because of how difficult it is to completely revamp the methods that people have become accustomed to. Right now my company is still very much using BIM software in a 2D manner and not fully embracing the capabilities the software presents and I'm hoping that armed with this knowledge I can go back to them and push a little harder for them to start utilizing it properly.

Mika Awai
I'm glad I read this post as one of my ones to comment on because I wasn't quite sure what this topic was. Now I understand it a lot better and can relate to it having experienced a lot of these problems. Whether it was due to a broken link because a file was moved or a slow compromised server causing issues for modeling.

Blog 2 - Liam Ossenfort

From the chapter five reading I found the section titled The Concept of Information Development interesting. Building projects utilizing BIM begin with certain information developments prior to construct, being development on definitions of the building’s function, its style, and the method for construction. Depending on what level of information development needed for a project scopes the potential work that will be needed to finalize. On the lower end of this “spectrum” of information development, are franchise buildings which include roadside service stations, warehouses, or any buildings having “well defined functional properties and fixed building character.” The other end of this “spectrum” involves individuals who plan on developing new large-scale social functions.

Later in the chapter, concept design (schematic design) is discussed. During this period, specifications from spatial areas and functions of rooms to assessments of the economic viability is covered. Concept design can be viewed as the framework for the project, which will then expand and become more complex with progression. This duty is often lead by Architects, using a client’s initial desires for the design. Once all of the specifications are taken care of, the design is then generated, including details on the basic design and layout within floor plans, both placement and general orientation on the lot, general appearance, structure, and environmental impact (the social aspects of the neighborhood is accounted for within the design).

Even later in the chapter, a section explains design-construction integration and BIM’s use for developing construction-level information. Utilizing software like this can speed up a project, for rules for both placement and compositions are embedded in the system. For the future, if this software becomes widely popular, the occupation of construction could change entirely; the building model itself, created with the software, will provide the legal basis needed to perform the job, the basis once required by documentation.

Comments to others:

Abigail https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/b2.html

I also read pieces regarding contractors and BIM, I can clearly see the benefits that come along with software and their work. I am curious if building the software to a point in which a profession like contracting could function completely off it would be a viable option in the future.

Stephen https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/b2-interoperability-stephen-pettit.html

Being that I am studying computer engineering, I thought I would have heard of Interoperability. Reading your explanation definitely makes it seem more familiar. I enjoyed that you were able to implement a possible solution for the issue that you encountered yourself.

Douha https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/b2-core-technologies-and-software_21.html

I agree with your comment of 3D applications being relevant for any field, the potential that technology has can aid in many different occupations. I have no prior experience with BIM, but similar to your preference on working within the computer lab opposed to using paper I would also prefer to use software to do this line of work.

B2-Mynaugh

For this week's blog post, the topic of discussion is reviewing the BIM handbook and, more specifically, Chapter 2, "Core Technologies and Software." This chapter discussed just where it addressed the progression of how these tools were used from creating simple geometric shapes to doing full recreation of a combustion engine. The part I would like to hone in on is the most common way that BIM is used. This being the ability for it to reviewing drawings for errors. This is quelling the natural inclination that BIM is used for drawing in that its ability to detect the mistakes in models that aren't easily seen. They give examples that when integrating different types of models from estimations to scheduling, it is able to automate and pick out any outlying errors so they can be corrected. This done by the ability to create 'rule sets' in which the program can effectively run "if-then" statements through one's design saying that, for example, this doorway must have a light switch within 6 ft of it. The program would run this through, and if a door did not meet this criterion, then it would call it out to be fixed. I believe that once a user gets familiar with the process and builds up a big enough database from past projects using this method, the way one designs and draws could be significantly improved in both quality and time taken.

Reference: 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. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/lib/drexel-ebooks/detail.action?docID=5447327.


Comments

Hey Vishist,

 Reading over your blog, your views on how this growing technology will have on the construction field was quite interesting. As I said in muy post that having estimators and designers utilizing this technology can greatly improve their efficiency. Your points on the networking aspect in how its ability for teams to collaborate easier speaks to both our views in that this will only be a boon for the industry. I do wonder what the limit factors that are preventing this process from catching on sooner.

Hey Liam,


I liked your review of chapter 5 of the BIM handbook in that how it showed the uses of such programs. Like you, I discussed the common applications of BIM in our fields, and that surprisingly enough that the reviewing capabilities is one of the most common. As you said, for an estimator to do takeoffs of a building by using a program that helps automate the process can be very much worthwhile. I harp on this point due to one of my past co-ops in which I was an estimator that had to do a lot of busywork that had me grinding away through drawings that could be made easier utilizing a BIM program.


Hey Andre,

Quite the interesting post you have here. The augmented reality, in particular, has piqued my interest. The fact, as you said, allows the client to really see the product the team is designing can really pay off in the long run. Say that the client had something totally different in mind, and when they were shown the sample in augmented reality, they'd be able to convey their likes and dislikes hopefully before any real damage is done. Or you can take the other side of the coin and perhaps have a client that is wishy-washy in what they want, and when they finally see your design in virtual completion, it could sway them in committing to your team's vision. Overall, like you, I know this tool as a way t increases the efficacy of your team's time as well as the overall experience for the client.

B2: Core Technologies and Software

              3D modeling and BIM are both recent technologies that were invented in the ’90s, that’s what I thought, but according to BIM Handbook, the idea was there since 1960. The 3D application is not limited to modeling buildings, however, it is a numerous concept. It almost contributed to every field including the media field in movies, engineering fields like mechanical, and more. The BIM gives better views of a project from different angles, and from this privilege, one could study the model and know the errors. The BIM had gone through many editions and engineers will not stop updating these programs for better editions and better future. A model is formed by parameters that are the properties of the model’s elements. These parameters were difficult to be edited in the earlier modeling programs like B-rip. Today, editing and making changes in a model is the challenging part between companies. The better the properties of a BIM, the better is the software. Parameters are being detailed in every new edition of the CAD tool. Revit is a well-known software that engineers love, especially architects, but the sudden fact that it was first developed as a mechanical system. 

         BIM also provides features that can illustrate the environmental conditions in a specific location. For example, what effects the shadows of the surrounding buildings would have on the designed building, in addition to solar orientation. These features can reduce construction failures by providing accurate numbers, angels, plans, and elevations. Also weather conditions regarding a selected location as outdoor and indoor temperature. This helps engineers to determine the best HVAC system, construction materials, and glazing. Many previous failures were because of scaling. One could distinguish that when comparing and contracting a new building with an old one. The old buildings are not symmetrical and not creatively designed. These were all designed and scaled on papers. The manual sale could be right, but not as specific as on computers. One inch matters and a pencil's thickness would also affect. I had two of my AE studio classes that I preferred the class to be taken in a computer lab, and the designs were made using one of the modeling programs. The class was designing class using scaling tools, and papers. I like to learn the basics first, but two classes using the same technique is pointless. I was having a hard time with the scaling because if there was one mistake, you have to erase and do it again by your hand. It prevented me from being creative in my own design because my time and efforts were wasted on doing scaled sections, elevations and plans, whereas, there were much better software to use for designing a building.   

            

Although we have these programs available, I do believe that the start of every idea which then becomes a project is a sketch using a pen and paper. We all do our designs and plans on a paper then transfer it to an electronic copy; so the technology can take our traditional way of doing something, but it can’t erase it because we have to understand the basics first to know how things work. 

Citation:

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. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/lib/drexel-ebooks/detail.action?docID=5447327.

Comments:

1-

Dane,
I can’t imagine how there is an engineering firm that doesn’t support 3D modeling. BIM isn’t a new tool, but the only thing that I can think about that prevent them from using these programs is money. Some small firms don’t want to pay more for better tools which gives the employees a hard time. However, these programs help all parties that are involved to have the best presentation of the project including the stakeholders. These 3D views can be edited using the IPAD as you mentioned. This could be handy while the contractor and the engineers are at the worksite. It gives perfect results in designing which means better projects and that counts toward the firm’s reputation.

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/dane-bell-blog-2.html

2-

Ina,
You started your post with a clear definition of Interoperability. Exporting a BIM file or changing its format is not easy as exporting PDF to JPEG. Although, also between these formats, the file could lose its quality. Regarding converting 3D models from one program to another, every number and information has to be converted including parameters. These files carry a large amount of data that reflects the design, so any small missing code could cause a large failure that could change the whole design, the scale, for example. Personally, I'm still experiencing that while using some software. This issue is still occurring and not solved yet because every software has its own settings. Therefore, there isn’t one solution for all. However, IGES would be a perfect invention.

Thank you for mentioning IGES in your post because it might help me with my senior design project. I was using AutoCAD, and now I’m switching to Revit. This technique will save me time where I just convert files without redoing the design all over again on Revit.

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/b2-interoperability.html

3-

Pritesh,

You brought up a good point when you related BIM to financial risks. The precision of these programs can really reduce the financial risks that occur due to design failures which leads to delays that affect the project’s budget. Every delay has a cost. The stakeholders or the owner of the project will ask for payback from the contractor. These are all statements that were agreed upon by all parties in the contract. Therefore, BIM is really important, and companies won’t stop improving their software to be better than other companies. Regarding the project’s schedule and timeline, RSMeans software and MS project software are both excellent programs to use to know the total cost, early start, early finish dates for your projects.  

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/blog-2.html

Michael Manley B2

In an age where the magnitude of automated tasks is becoming increasingly larger, it is of no surprise that components of building modeling are being automated as well. BIM gives architects and engineers the ability to rapidly speed up the design process of buildings by automating much of the mundane detailing associated with it. By automating these processes and storing design copies, BIM makes it very easy for teams to collaborate and build off of each others’ designs without editing the original copy. Additionally, BIM provides a 3D layout which allows users to communicate their ideas more effectively and become much more specific with their design constraints. With the addition of this communication outlet, architects and engineers are able to more accurately express their ideas.

However, adopting BIM does not come without challenges. In “BIM Handbook a Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners”, Sacks and others discuss challenges associated with converting 2D drawings into 3D digital models, document preparation, and implementing new means of cost estimation. It is difficult for individuals who have been successfully accomplishing tasks with the tools they are using to be convinced to move on to new methodology. In the case of BIM, many individuals likely see it as a lot of overhead and extra work remaking models they’ve already completed through other means. However, the authors of the BIM Handbook make the benefits of this conversion very clear. Through visual graphics the authors successfully show that in most cases BIM implementation reduces the amount of time working on models and reduces relative effort once mastered. Like any new skill, there is surely a learning curve where engineers and architects will be less productive than before, but this quickly changes as the designers obtain the appropriate skills to use BIM effectively.

By continuing to move in the direction BIM is pushing in, the effort to get great ideas from architects’ and engineers’ heads into reality will continue to decrease overtime. This will likely lead to more satisfied designers and more creative outputs. I am excited to gain more exposure to BIM and further learn how its applications will affect me.

Sacks, Rafael, et al. BIM Handbook a Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Designers, Engineers, Contractors, and Facility Managers. Wiley, 2018.

Comments: 

Jake Hall: https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/chapter-5-bim.html

I thought your ideas on the interdisciplinary nature of BIM were very powerful. BIM allows for experts of all related fields to chime in on a single design within a uniform platform. This is crucial for obtaining the knowledge and opinions needed for an optimal design in a timely fashion. Well done!

Madeleine Walker-Elders: https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/walker-elders-b2-bim-for-architects-and.html

I liked your ideas on the challenges that come with any major technology shift. Sometimes it is very hard to convince someone to do something a new way even if it is proven to be better. People often see no reason to change if what they are doing is working.  This why the majority of companies who are very successful strive in innovative environments that are right on the technology curve. 

Cory: https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/bim-handbook-chapter-5.html

The point you mentioned about being able to test multiple design constraints quickly within BIM seems to be a very useful feature. I can only imagine how messy this process would be on paper! With the ability to save current versions of the design, designers can be much more free to experiment with their ideas. Great work!

Chapter 5 BIM

BIM software has endless applications when designing a building. Computers are at the point where nearly any aspect of a building, whether that is its performance, the environment, the efficiency, and the aesthetic are all modeled with BIM software. This allows the engineer to predetermine the flaws and fix or reduce any errors. This makes the design more reliable and preferred. This is a classic example of "Measuring twice, cut once".
With BIM multiple variations of a building can be displayed and optimized without ever having to construct anything. Before if a design was flawed, it would be noted for the next time they build something similar and now the functionality of the building is known before the construction even starts.
For this to be a possible element in the design needs to have attributes. So if you are simulating the airflow of the HVAC system you need to know the certain rating on the blower, the installation in the house, the efficiency of the windows to hold temps in, even the angle of the sun and the amount of sunlight plays a factor in some BIM models.
Since these ratings and attributes of multiple elements are all determined by different types of engineers and architects the BIM software is all multidisciplinary. This allows the electrical engineer to input the schematics of the wiring into the blueprint the architect made and the construction management to determine the materials and their ratings. This allows a balancing game between the needs of the building. So if the building wants to be a LEED-certified building the designers can keep increasing the rating of the windows and installation, for example, to get the building to that standard of LEED and then they will not have to go any higher than that to save cost.
To connect this back to AI I am sure there are already developments for BIM so that you can input the criteria for any aspect of the building and the computer will search through databases of materials and determine the cheapest, most efficient and most available options for all components of the building but that may not be for a little while longer.

Brian,
I just read an article last week about how smart devices were having the same issues where they could only be used by one platform. This is obviously slowing the growth of smart devices so Amazon, Apple and Google finally, and for the first time decided collectively to make all their smart devises a certain level of compatible. This is always good to promote the growth of technology and good to see it happening with BIMs. This will allow more engineers to have inputs and work out solutions especially is multiple types of engineers that all use different BIMs can gather all of the simulations into one system. With simulations the more data and computing power the better.

Pritesh,

It is pretty cool you got to work with some BIM systems during your coop since that is such a major part of the industry now. I will be using BIM models at my next coop and simulating where the electrical components of a building will be and modeling the lighting of rooms.

Cory
I agree with what you are saying. It is pretty obvious that any option that reduces cost prevents errors and tests Performace, as well as other applications, is a huge advantage to have. The communication is also a huge part and BIM and technology, in general, make so many ideas more clear when there are virtual reality versions of them first. 

B2 - Interoperability - Stephen Pettit

Interoperability is the exchange of data between applications. There are some issues and benefits with interoperability, and it is very important in the engineering, construction, and architecture industry. A lot of times when companies exchange data, it does not exchange correctly due to different programs, company standards, software bugs, or even just the year of the software being used. For example, converting a CAD dwg file to revit would run into problems, because a lot CAD drawings are drafted in 2D, and Revit's drawings are in 3D. Another issue is the interoperability of AutoCAD layers from one company to another. Every company has their own sets of the standards with how they like to create drawings, and how they like to assign layers. I have experience with this problem with my co-op. We will be getting all of the existing conditions from a client, but all of their layers are different from our company's standards which would affect the printing system. My job is always to convert all of the layers to our layers so that it will PDF properly which sometimes can take a long time. One solution in my opinion is to create a layer/properties standard for the industry, so that when companies exchange CAD files, there will be no need to fix the layers, and other parameters. Obviously this would be difficult to enforce, because every company will be reluctant to change all of their standards, and often times when old projects come back, those drawings would still be in the old format. It is an idea worth mentioning, but it would probably be difficult to go through with.

There are three level of requirements for interoperability to function problem. The first level is the external level. This is the "user's view on information exchange requirements". The user needs specific information to generate the data into a model with views, subsets, etc. The second level is the conceptual level. This level is referred to as a logical schema because it requires multiple users to provide the views, subsets, etc. The third level is the internal level which is where the software translates the information between two different systems.

There are also three different exchange methods which can be used depending on the issue. The first method is a direct through an Application Programming Interface between two systems. This is often used with specific softwares, and uses a basic coding system. Direct link is more effective when the companies involved are on the same page. The second method is a file data exchange. This method is used to exchange data through a model file using a proprietary exchange format which is basically a format that is developed from a commercial company to interface with a specific application. Each software has its own file exchange format. Autodesk develops popular exchange formats which is used with Revit, Autocad, etc. The third method is exchange through a model serving database. BIM is the most popular method because it allows automation to correct any interperoability issues.

File exchange method is quickly transitioning to BIM exchange because of a various of reasons. This method cannot determine who made the changes on a model. If an employee changes something on a CAD file, a project manager would not be able to tell who made the changes. One important issue is synchronization. Multiple people cannot work on the file at the same time, which would cause synchronization issues. BIM, however, have developed a sufficient synchronization system that allows multiple parties to access the model at the same time, as well as see changes throughout the development of the model. "Synchronization also addresses all the coordination issues among the different systems, including spatial clashes, intersystem connections, and load transfers between systems". 

In conclusion, Interoperability is very important in the building industry. Understanding this idea is important because we will be dealing with these issues in our career. I already run into these issues, and understanding this idea will help me more when these issues occur. I may be able to distinguish what issue we are running into whenever we receive a file from another company. Interoperability is also very beneficial because it allows you to communicate better with your clients and other employees. When interoperability is used correctly, projects will run more proficiently as well.

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.
https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/lib/drexel-ebooks/reader.action?docID=5447327

Comments:

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/b2-core-technologies-and-software.html

Manon,

I enjoyed learning about all of the various BIM modeling softwares. I have worked with Revit, and ArchiCAD in my previous co-ops and both softwares are very useful. Between the those two, Revit is more useful in my opinion, but Archicad is very similar to Revit. Revit is convenient in which it turns all of the objects to 3D which is very useful. I enjoyed learning that there are servers that are beneficial for certain applications. For example, Tekla structures is interesting because it focuses on the fabrications, and is useful for the structural industry. You did a good job breaking down the different types of BIM servers.

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/blog-2.html

Pritesh,

I thought your statement about financial risk was accurate and interesting. I work in the MEP industry, and when our revit model is accurate early in the design stage, it gives the project manangers, owners, and clients a better idea of where they are at with their budget. Communication is the most important aspect of getting a project done correctly, and on time. I've been in situations where the existing conditions were not communicated properly to us which lead us to inaccurate modeling. I do disagree a little with building's energy consumption being the least of the concern. Especially if the building must be LEED, energy consumption is one of the important aspects of the building design. I agree with your statement that BIM is a very useful tool for all parties involved.

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/b2-bim-for-owners-and-facility-managers.html

Andrew,

Cost is extremely important, and for the owner is the most important. I agree with you that using BIM gives you a better idea of costs and estimates when it is on plan. For example, when you actually see all of the equipment on plan, you start to double check to make sure if its necessary, or if there is other options that could be implemented into the design that would be more beneficial. These options would just need to be maintained with code. BIM is very useful, and eventually will be used by every building industry company.

BIM for Owners and Facility Managers

Owners and facilities managers can benefit from the use of BIM. The owner’s understanding of BIM tools and applications can help owners to better communicate with their fellow designers and architects. This communication will benefit the progression of projects and minimize the risk of delays caused by inconsistencies in vision. This is evidenced through its efficiency in project management with creating a more defined scope of work/design. The role of gathering and purchasing materials is simplified for owners with the use of BIM. 

An owner or facility manager’s education in BIM applications can be helpful for managing costs, projecting time of construction, evaluating the structures complexity, producing sustainable elements, predicting failures, and quantifying product necessity. This list of “drivers” as they are referred to in the BIM handbook are so vital to an owner and facility owner’s successful business. This list ensures project completion and efficiency while also improving the design/construction through cooperation with the client’s specific needs. Allowing a new filter to view the plans of a building through, or even a new set of eyes, will bring valuable considerations and mishaps to light that would otherwise go unnoticed until too late. 

There are specific tools within BIM specifically able to be catered to owner and facilities manager’s use. BIM estimating tools like U.S. Cost Success Estimator or Exactal’s CostX are specifically created for owners to value the structure and extract quantity takeoffs. Facility and Management tools can further personalize the building toward its projected function. BIM can also be used for conducting simulations under emergencies like a fire evacuation within the building. 

There are still some barriers preventing the universal acceptance of BIM. One of said limitations is society not having caught up with said technology. Requesting of 3D modeling may result in fewer bidders and thus, higher cost. BIM is also often considered an afterthought. With most projects already having been financed and complete, the results provided through the use of BIM must equate to the excess time put in to accomplish said model. The cost and time necessary to adapt can contribute to a very daunting path for most owners.

Work Cited:

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

Christopher:

I appreciated your discussion of how architects and engineers can further accommodate their clients and owner’s of these buildings. The more cooperative the experience is with the owner, the more satisfied they will be with the final product in terms of savings and quality of work. This could satisfied client result in being provided more projects under this client or even referrals to other clients in need. Also, it is likely better to have these tools at one’s disposal so as to accommodate different clients’ experience and to have a leg up on those in the industry who have yet to adapt to the new technology of the modern era.  

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/search/label/Christopher

Pritesh:

I really liked your focus on Energy Conservation as opposed to Aesthetic concerns when constructing a new movie. It shows how BIM can benefit a buildings long term responsibilities in addition to the interests in just building a structure as soon as possible that meets everyone’s immediate needs. The shortening of construction time does not imply a lack of detail or analysis in the development stage as you have elaborated. BIM simply provides owners with the chance to address errors earlier, when they are less lethal to the project. 

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/blog-2.html 

Manon:

I was drawn to your post due to the level of detail you emphasized on the individual platforms of which I had not come across in other posts. This just shows how many BIM tools that are at our disposal and how we are just barely touching the surface. DESTINI is an interesting considering it can provide a cost for a conceptual design. The system begs the question of whether or not it is accurate enough to depict the details of one’s specific site to calculate an accurate cost of construction. Digital Project sounds like a similar program to that of the program CREO 3.0 of which we were introduced to in freshman design. Bently is another program that sparks curiosity with its focus on curved structures, given that curves can become quite complicated in most other programs. 

https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/b2-core-technologies-and-software.html