http://www.beck-technology.com - Building information modeling (BIM) is a buzzword in the AEC industry, but is it hype or substantive? First, one must understand that BIM is not just 3-D. BIM is a virtual simulation of the construction and performance of a building prior to the physical construction. BIM has huge potential to minimize waste and increase value. Is it just theory? No. BIM is very real and all players need to prepare for the technological revolution facing the construction industry.

1. The BIM Boom
An article published in
Concrete Construction

2. Building information modeling (BIM) is a buzzword in the
AEC industry, but is it hype or substantive? First, one
must understand that BIM is not just 3-D. BIM is a virtual
simulation of the construction and performance of a
building prior to the physical construction. Academia
raves about the potential impact in reducing waste and
optimizing value, but BIM has been around for years. Is it
just theory? No. BIM is very real and everyone needs to
prepare for the eminent technological revolution facing
the construction industry.
The term BIM was first coined by Autodesk, makers of a
leading BIM design tool, Revit Architecture, and AutoCad.
The technology originally was created to improve the
production of documentation for architects. Changes to
the design that previously required the modification of
each instance affected, potentially hundreds of files, now
are reduced to changing a single model. The plans are
plotted by simply arranging "camera" angles around the
3-D geometry.
Macro BIM software for 3D modeling, 4D scheduling, and 5D cost estimating. Make better decisions earlier. 2

3. But it is the "I" in BIM that will have a substantial impact
on the industry. A building information model is 3-D
geometry tied to a database such that the model can
contain much more than just visual information. For
example, the lines that represent a concrete column are
grouped and "know" that they represent an object.
Object data can be stored such as the psi of concrete,
quantity of concrete and rebar, location of construction
joints, cost information (4-D), and scheduling related
data (5-D).
For many contractors, clash detection is the low hanging
fruit and entry point to BIM. Programs such as
Navisworks and Solibri allow the user to import models
from different trades into a single environment and
automatically show all collisions (i.e., where the
ductwork intersects the fire protection system). Clash
detection enhances the level of coordination and allows
contractors to perform substantially more prefabrication
and less onsite adjustments.
Macro BIM software for 3D modeling, 4D scheduling, and 5D cost estimating. Make better decisions earlier. 3

4. The capability beyond clash detection is where it really
gets interesting. If the model knows the quantities and
types of materials, can it estimate costs? Indirectly, yes.
Today, many contractors are using bridging technologies,
such as Innovaya and QTO, to pull the quantities from the
model into Microsoft Excel or their estimating system.
This does not mean that estimators will be displaced by
any stretch of the imagination. In fact, experienced
estimators who understand the technology will become
more valuable because they can spend their time on the
analytical side, not in counting parts. The technology can
provide the construction industry with the data, but it
still requires knowledge to be leveraged.
Other capabilities are potential game changers for
architects, owners, and contractors alike. Imagine a data-
rich, manufacturer-specific model. Accurate predictions
can be made for energy performance, carbon footprint,
building code compliance, operating costs, and
construction costs.
Macro BIM software for 3D modeling, 4D scheduling, and 5D cost estimating. Make better decisions earlier. 4

5. Automatic generation of specs, shop drawings, and even
computer-aided manufacturing also are possible.
Problems caused by not having the latest set of plans can
become a thing of the past. Imagine that everyone has
access to the model over the Internet, not an outdated,
printed copy of the plans. Contractors can even access
the BIM in the field with handheld computers and
software, such as the technology offered by Vela
Systems.
Imagine a renovation project in the future when you are
provided an as-built BIM detailing every system behind
the drywall, masonry, and concrete.
There is little doubt that this will change the way
construction is delivered, but there are some hurdles to
clear before the industry will experience many of the
true benefits. Recent surveys have shown that
approximately 40% of the ENR top 400 contractors are
using BIM on more than 10% of their work.
Macro BIM software for 3D modeling, 4D scheduling, and 5D cost estimating. Make better decisions earlier. 5

6. Most contractors are creating their own models because
(1) the architect is not sharing or doesn't have a model,
or (2) they can't use or do not trust the data coming from
the architect's model (i.e., slabs with no construction
joints, incomplete models, etc.). The traditional
responsibilities of the contractor and architect can
become blurred easily and new delivery models, such as
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), are emerging.
There are certainly technical challenges to overcome, as
well as compatibility between the different software
applications and standards for how BIM objects are
modeled and organized. Industry organizations such as
the AGC BIMForum, the American Institute of Architects,
and the buildingSMART alliance work to define the
standards and identify the best practices as the
technology evolves. The technical issues will be solved
over time as more adopt the technology and other
technical challenges surface.
Macro BIM software for 3D modeling, 4D scheduling, and 5D cost estimating. Make better decisions earlier. 6

7. The economy also is having an effect on the adoption of
the technology, but not in the direction that you might
think. With an influx in competition, many contractors
are leveraging the technology as a differentiator.
Economic slowdowns historically have had a positive
impact on efficiency due to strategic decision making, as
opposed to the more tactical nature of the business
during busy times.
Contractors looking to learn more and implement BIM
into their business can start with education through
various trade associations. The Associated General
Contractors of America, Associated Builders and
Contractors, The American Society of Plumbing
Engineers, Construction Management Association of
America, and the Design-Build Institute of America all
offer classes and/or Webinar informational sessions on
the topic of BIM.
Macro BIM software for 3D modeling, 4D scheduling, and 5D cost estimating. Make better decisions earlier. 7

8. The bottom line is that this technology is not going away.
Every owner, general contractor, consultant, engineer,
designer, supplier, and subcontractor needs to be aware
of the eminent impact on their business.
There will be a disruptive effect on the industry as a
whole creating many new opportunities and creating a
need for change. Companies not in touch with these
technological changes risk being overtaken by
competitors.
Andy O'Nan is the director of marketing and new business for Beck
Technology Ltd., a BIM software development and consultancy company.
DProfiler™ is a first of its kind Macro BIM solution offering all-in-one:
3D Modeling
Cost Estimating
Energy Analysis
Site Topography & Cut/Fill Analysis
Real Estate Dashboard
Macro BIM software for 3D modeling, 4D scheduling, and 5D cost estimating. Make better decisions earlier. 8