B3-What are the current advantages of Revit/BIM?

Larisa Parshakova

In the modern architectural, engineering and constructional fields transition from 2D to 3D modeling is fast and inevitable. BIM products are leading the field due to its clear advantages over other products. According to Autodesk.com there are 11 main benefits of Revit/BIM products.

·        BIM can “capture reality” by providing great amount of information about possible project sites with the tools like aerial imagery and digital elevation.

·        BIM provides “shared model” tools that grants access to different departments and allows simulations design development.

·        There is a tool that saves different version of the changes made that help in the cases of file corruption and imagery loss.

·        BIM 360 provides cloud access that improves collaboration.

·        BIM has a lot of visualization tools that aid better simulation and help with analysis processes.

·        BIM modeling allows to detect clashes between different infrastructures way before they reach construction site.

·        BIM helps to improve construction processes by coordinating sequences of steps such as picking crew, materials and so on.

·        BIM is able to generate traditional reports and aid drafting process.

·        BIM is a perfect tool to convey the design fully and improve sales pitch.

·        BIM 360 provides access to the model anywhere with the internet access.

·        BIM provides higher efficiency and collaboration by reducing fragmentation.

Even though the article is from the creator of Revit it allows to look at the program as the whole and evaluate possible improvements to one’s design process. BIM is a very useful tool, however, sometimes the software like that can be intimidating due to multiple features that can be beneficial but also can scary away potential users. From the Autodesk prospective it is important to help realize proper education for the future engineers and architects that will promote the use of the program in the field and help to create a net of collaboration.

Source:

https://www.autodesk.com/redshift/building-information-modeling-top-11-benefits-of-bim/

Comments

To Brian Mynaugh:

Your post seemed to bring up some interesting points. I found the point of BIM not being financially fitting for the smaller companies needs the most interesting. A lot of time technology nowadays either cater to the big corporations or to mass users. Which makes sense since everybody wants to be able to hit larger markets. Which leaves the middle size user without proper tools to complete their projects. And Revit/BIM products are unfortunately more feasible for larger companies. 

To Reece Masucci:

I liked your post it was very on point and made some good comparisons between AutoCAD and Revit. It was a good point you made about younger professionals and students being more proficient in Revit than AutoCAD. It the way that it works not only in construction field but in any other field that uses different types of software. In engineering field learning is crucial to development. Introduction of new technology can be revolutionary not only to existence of a single company but to an advancement of industry in general.

To Brian Huyhn:

I like the point that you made about the constantly changing software and technology that a lot of people who work in the construction industry or in architecture firms must learn about by themselves. So, there is no unified knowledge between different companies, and they don’t possess the same information on the software. Since we started sharing information there should be a better way of tutoring staff. And making sure everybody are on the same page.

 

B3 - Revit x AutoCAD

Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) is a concept that emerged in the 1960s. The 2D design software did away with manual drafting and made making calculations, visualizing design and working a lot faster and easier. CAD was first only utilized by those who knew how to program computers, so hand calculations and designs were still completed during the transition period, but by the 1990s, most companies were implementing CAD and engineers were tasked with learning and using it. AutoCAD and Revit are two major platforms for computer aided drafting and are very similar programs, though often used in different ways.

AutoCAD, under AutoDesk, has been around for a while. It was first demonstrated and released in 1982 and was the first CAD program to run as a desktop app on microcomputers that did not require the use of mainframe computers to run. Since AutoCAD was one of the first, it remains a known name in the industry. I was taught AutoCAD my freshman year at Drexel and used it a lot during my first co-op. Certain companies in the transportation industry require the use of one CAD software over another, so we were required to use AutoCAD for the projects we were working on, even though the versions had kinks.

Revit was developed in 2000 and was actually acquired by AutoDesk, the same company that runs AutoCAD, in 2002. It is different from AutoCAD’s 2D interface because Revit is made for 3D modeling.  Additionally, Revit has the capability to track information throughout the structures’ life cycles and is a great companion to BIM software. My industry does not utilize Revit as much, as far as I know. Highway and roadway design work is mostly done in 2D with cross sections that would show a third direction. Revit and programs like it seems to be integral to the architecture industry.

Many companies and engineers themselves often vouch for AutoCAD over other programs because it is easier to continue using something that you have always been working with, especially if there is nothing inherently wrong or bad about using it. I had coworkers who told me they did not want to learn a newer version of AutoCAD, and refused to work with it until they had to. Although I have never used Revit in the industry for a complete project, using it to complete my assignment for this class proved Revit to be simple, user-friendly, and intuitive. I immediately felt comfortable with using the program. If engineers were simply more open to embracing change, better programs can be utilized, especially Revit and its connectability to BIM.

Comments:

Michael,
You are totally right to bring up lack of continuity in the industry for programs like these. The fact that there is no industry standard makes it so complicated to share files, plans, and develop models across the USA or even in one's state. It is easier for companies to keep doing what they have been doing for years and say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," but like you said, the benefits of converting to program like Revit or BIM outweigh the desire to remain using the same program.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-current-problems-with-revitbim.html

Stephen,
I remember having issues in AutoCAD where the model would take several minutes to load and will often be an un-updated file. We also had to run files through a converter sometimes if the format was from an older version of AutoCAD. Synchronization issues are truly annoying and cost time and money to fix. If there was a way to make the files "smarter," such as saving automatically after a certain period of time or being able to match versions with another, it would be a  lifesaver.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/b3-current-issues-with-bim-stephen.html

Michael,
I tend to forget that virtual reality can be used in a productive sense, rather than just in gaming. The ability to view a 3D model right before your eyes is revolutionary. Think of how that would change teaching: you could see how a beam deflects under loads and how that would look in the bigger picture, you could walk through a building to check if everything looks okay before even thinking of construction. I love the idea of making changes in real time through VR, it would save a lot of time to do so.
https://ae-410-510-ay19-20.blogspot.com/2020/01/future-of-bim.html

B3

Revit and AutoCAD are both drafting programs used by architects and engineers alike. However, their uses do vary. 

AutoCAD is a drafting program often used by architects. It is vastly useful for creating floor plans, sections, and elevations. However, it is best used for 2D renderings. While AutoCAD can be used for 3D renderings, it is slow and not the best use of the program. Engineering firms do still use AutoCAD. My second co-op was a residential structural engineering co-op, and all of our drawing were created in AutoCAD, and we were still creating new details in the program too. 

Revit is a 3D modeling program. It is useful for creating floor plans, sections and elevations. Revit can create sections automatically from a 3D rendering, as opposed to AutoCAD. In AutoCAD, the sections and elevations need to be hand drafted. I find that MEP engineering firms are beginning to lean more towards Revit. It is good for visualizing ductwork, for example. 

In my opinion, Revit combines the best portions of other drafting programs. Sketchup is useful for elevations. AutoCAD is useful for floor plans. Revit has a lot of powerful tools. It keeps tracking of added components, like doors, and can automatically create a door schedule. It makes sections very easy. It also helps visualize the 3D components of a building well, such as structural connections.  

Revit is not without flaw though. I find it has a steep learning curve, even for people who are technologically savvy. Terminology, such as families, can be confusing. Figuring out how to draw building aspects, like rooves, can also be confusing as it is not always like AutoCAD. However, learning Revit is worthwhile. It is nice to develop floor plans in AutoCAD then transition over to Revit to get a feel for the layout. Revit allows multiple engineering disciplines to come together on one model. Multiple people can work on the same file. Different layers can be turned on and off instead of creating entirely new drawings.  

Overall, Revit is a nice complement to the drafting programs already available to architects and engineers. I do not believe it should serve as a replacement, as other programs do provide functionality that Revit doesn’t. Sketchup is quick and simple. It allows a building to be placed anywhere in the world easily for rendering purposes. AutoCAD’s learning curve is not as steep and is useful for creating floor plans. Maybe one day the line between AutoCAD, Sketchup, and Revit will blur, but until then, Revit is a nice new addition to drafting programs. 

Jake: I agree that BIM is a huge time saver because of its parametric components. It's nice being able to widen the floor in the 2D view, and the 3D view automatically adjusts. This reduces the risk of an error being overlooked until the construction phase. 

Regarding file sharing, I have actually found it's not as advantageous as theorized. Different firms have different software versions. Generally speaking, newer files cannot be opened in older versions. However, if all firms use similar versions, it does work well. 

Michael: Everything you said about transitioning from CAD to BIM makes a lot of sense. It is definitely an expensive transition and sometimes not worth it to small companies, like you said. I’ve experienced smaller companies using older versions of AutoCAD for as long as possible, since upgrading every employee is expensive. This then creates file sharing issues when clients use 2020 and a firm used 2017. It’ll take a while before BIM becomes an industry standard, though I believe it is the way to go.  

Michael: The new uses for virtual reality you mentioned are fascinating. It would be incredible to see a complete building design in real life and walk through it. It would help identify issues with the design as well as aesthetically non-pleasing aspects of the design. This would revolutionize the industry. It would leave no room for guesswork or last-minute decisions, as everything could be visualized up front. I absolutely hope this becomes part of our field within our lifetimes. Of course, with everything, new problems would be created, but this solves a lot of issues, so it’s worth it.