In the education sector, BIM courses are most popular among students or professionals who belong to the AEC industry because Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital technology that works as a shared knowledge resource for all information about a building project. Many people assume that BIM is software, but as a process, it is more correct to define it. Basically, within this, several software applications and techniques are included to plan, create, manage, and share all information about a project in a collaborative and integrated way.
What is BIM?
Building information modeling or BIM is a process of the creation and management of digital representations of the physical and functional characteristics of buildings. It helps the professionals related to the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry in project planning, designing, construction management, and other ongoing building operations. And now, BIM goes beyond 3D visualization because it contains additional dimensions such as time (4D) and cost (5D), that promote better project planning and control. Thus, acquiring knowledge about BIM, and learning the process of working with BIM is going to become a mandatory skill for working in AEC industries today.
Key software tools and technologies used in BIM
- BIM Authoring Tools: used to create and manipulate 3D models of building components. Autodesk Revit, ArchiCAD, etc. are popular BIM authoring tools.
- BIM Collaboration Tools: Enable various project stakeholders to work together and collaborate on a BIM project by facilitating real-time communication, coordination, or even the sharing of information. Autodesk BIM 360, Trimble Connect, etc., are popular BIM collaboration tools.
- Clash Detection Tools: used to identify as well as resolve clashes between multiple building elements of a BIM model. They also prevent conflicts that may occur during construction to improve coordination. Navisworks by Autodesk, Solibri Model Checker, etc. are popular clash detection tools.
- Data Management Tools: Help to organize, store, and manage the vast amount of data associated with a BIM project. It enables efficient data sharing, version control, and data integration. Autodesk Vault, BIM 360 Docs, Bentley AssetWise, etc. are popular BIM data management tools.
- 4D and 5D BIM Software: to add the dimension of time to the model 4D BIM tools used. It enables the scheduling and sequencing of a project to be visualized. Whereas 5D BIM software is a combination of 3D models with cost and quantity information, used to estimate the cost and budget for a project. Synchro PRO and Autodesk Navisworks Manage etc., are popular 4D and 5D BIM software.
- Parametric Design Tools: allow designers to make complex, rule-based geometry that easily adapts to changes. It helps to automate design variations along with dynamic modeling. Rhino with Grasshopper, Autodesk Dynamoare, etc. tools are popular for parametric design.
- Energy analysis and simulation tools: evaluate and optimize a building’s energy performance. These tools help measure factors like daylighting, thermal comfort, energy consumption, and the efficiency of an HVAC system. Autodesk Insight, IESVE, DesignBuilder, etc., are popular energy analysis and simulation tools.
- Virtual and Augmented Reality: enable immersive visualization and virtual walkthroughs of BIM models. That helps stakeholders review designs before construction. Autodesk BIM 360 Glue, Trimble Connect etc. tools offer virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) capabilities.
Conclusion
Since, The BIM course was replaced by a 2D CAD(computer-aided design) software program course, which effectively carried blueprints but BIM was able to replace it due to having features for creating more accurate visual representations of buildings to work with.
In conclusion, It can be observed that the reason behind its popularity is that the BIM model contains not only geometric data but also information related to raw materials, quantities, specifications, scheduling, and other relevant data. Along with this, BIM is very helpful in establishing collaboration between all team members who are involved in a project, better asset management, analytical maintenance, and more efficient operation of the facility throughout its lifecycle.
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