Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been defined as

“The act of creating an electronic model of a facility for the purpose of visualization, engineering
analysis, conflict analysis, cost engineering, as-built product, budgeting and many other
purposes.”

OR

“A digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility as such it serves

as a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for
decisions during its life-cycle from inception onward.”

In layman's terms, it means that we build the project before we build the project. BIM software
(such as Revit, Microstation, Tekla, etc.) allows the design team on a project to construct a 3D
model that represents the one we intend to build. By doing this virtually we can see how all the
systems (architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, etc.) integrate (or clash and redesign
them so they don’t). In the past this would have been done by comparing flat 2D drawings or
worse on site when the conflict is discovered.

BIM is a methodology of gathering and maintaining information about a building for quick
decision making throughout the life cycle or facility cycle of the building.

Barriers to BIM

The ultimate objective is to build an integrated BIM—a virtual building before we make
expensive mistakes with concrete, glass and steel.

1. Software and hardware constraints: A BIM model theoretically has unlimited ability
to hold information. Despite faster and faster computers and more efficient software, the
model slows down as it enlarges.
2. Cost practicalities: At some point, it becomes impractical to add detail to the model. We
still assume the builder will use some judgment in the field. A drawing doesn’t need to
show all the nail locations in a wood frame.
3. Universal adaption: The fruition of BIM will depend on widespread use by designers,
contractors and manufacturers. But until trade contractors and manufacturers are
operational with BIM -incomplete integration.
4. Interoperability: All big projects which have multiple architects and multiple
Construction Managers, have faced the frustrating problems of interoperability in trying
to integrate data from different project management information systems. The same
problem exists with BIM software.

A fully integrated BIM model is a vision, not a reality. At current levels of development,
architects engineers, consultants, builders and fabricators may have independent BIM models,
legacy CAD systems and legacy paper systems. Those who use BIM software may not use the
same programs.

BIM Tool

1. Autodesk: Revit – Autocad – Navisworks – Autodesk 3ds Max

2. Graphisoft – Archicad
3. Bently – Bently Arcitecture – RAM Steel
4. Onuma – OPS
5. Google – Sketchup
6. Maya
7. Rhino 3d
8. Lumion 3d
9. Microstation
10. Tekla

Revit BIM Software Advantages

Revit offers several advantages to architects and engineers. Many of these benefits come from
how closely it integrates with the BIM concept. However, the software itself also has a few
advantages you should keep in mind.

1. Parametric Components

Each component you create in the Revit BIM software has parametric qualities. This
means your elements are 3D, but you can also modify the associated 2D planes to change
the 3D model.

The key here is that the information used to build the model all comes from a single
database. Whenever you make a change, that database gets updated. It doesn’t matter
where on the model you made the change either. Whatever new information you upload
gets used throughout the model. This dynamic modification saves lots of time, plus you
won’t run into the conflicts that arise when you try to match the information you have
across lots of different drawings.

2. No Repetition

The singular database offers several other benefits. One of the most important of these is
that it cuts down on the amount of repetition you have to go through when designing your
model.

Think about the last model you designed. You probably had floor plans and a general
building model. During the design stage, you’d constantly have to go over these designs
to make little changes. As soon as you made a change, you’d have to make the same
change across all the other drawings.
 This is a complex and time-consuming process. Furthermore, it leads to mistakes. If you
miss one drawing, you create inconsistencies. Constant repetition lowers your
productivity, and creates redundant documentation. The project gets bogged down in
paperwork, designs, and models. The Revit BIM software allows you to centralise all that
information, eliminating this repetitive work entirely.

3. Land Scape Design

The Revit BIM software excels when it comes to creating realistic visualisations.
Primarily, you’ll place your focus on all the data you enter into the model. This results in
the creation of models that incorporate all the data you need to create real-life structures.

However, Revit also allows you to do a lot of the little things that can make your models
more appealing to your clients. For example, you can use it to build landscapes around
your models.

Think of this in relation to the real-world applications. Your clients will have a location
picked out for their buildings. If you can simulate that location in your model, you can
give your client a much more realistic visualisation. The Revit BIM software allows you
to do that.

4. Energy Efficient Design

Sustainable building design is crucial in the modern world. People are much more aware
of the effects of their buildings on the environment. As a result, many of your clients will
want you to prove that your designs are sustainable. If you can’t, you may find you lose
out on their business, even if the design itself is attractive.

This is where the Revit BIM software can help you. It features several analytical tools,
which you can use to measure the environmental impact of your models. In particular, the
GreenBuild engine will ensure that sustainability is a core component of your design
process from the moment you start working on the model.

Now, imagine presenting all this information to your clients. As well as showcasing your
design, you can highlight its environmental benefits. Your firm will impress any clients
with a sustainability policy.

5. No paper documentation

The Revit BIM software doesn’t just aid you in creating environmentally-friendly
buildings. It also helps you to make your own processes more sustainable.

Remember how Revit cuts down on the amount of drawings you need for your models.
That means far fewer printouts. In fact, you don’t need any manual documentation at all.
The Revit BIM software automatically records all the information the project needs. You
can even use tags and keynotes to access the most relevant information easily.

This makes accessing information child’s play. As importantly, you no longer need to use
reams of paper to document the progress of the project. A lot of firms are looking to go
 paper-free in the modern era, and Revit is a software package designed around that
concept.

6. The Huge Library

If you’ve used digital design software before, you’ll know that most packages offer
access to a library of components that you can pull from when creating your designs.
Many architects and engineers will use these libraries for base components, which they’ll
then edit so that they suit the specific design.

The Revit BIM software has a library of parametric components. But there’s a nice little
twist. It will also store any new components, or edits to its existing components, in its
library. This means you can access pretty much anything that you design instantly.

For example, let’s say you’ve built a small chair component. The Revit library allows you
to store that chair for future use, as well as to duplicate it in your current model. As a
result, you get access to a huge component library, which only grows as you design and
edit more components.

Revit BIM Software Dis-advantages

7. The Heavy Focus on Structural Design

While Revit’s focus on accuracy is one of its biggest highlights, it does take away from
some other areas of the software. For example, other digital design software packages
tend to create more fleshed out models. This is because they have access to more general
design tools, such as commands and meshes, that aren’t built into the Revit package.

This means Revit is primarily a tool for providing insight into a project, and getting the
prototyping completed accurate. Alternatively, you may be able to use rendering software
to make your Revit models stand out.

8. Difficult Perspective Editing

While the Revit BIM software will prove useful for architects and engineers, interior
designers may find themselves feeling frustrated. This is because Revit isn’t the easiest
software to use if you want to work on building interiors from a different perspective.

Revit has a default isometric perspective, which can make it hard to see the planes that it
doesn’t show. Yes, you can rely on the software to make changes automatically.
However, many people prefer to have more flexibility in their digital design software
packages. You may find it difficult to edit from the perspective you want.

9. Its Popularity Level

Revit has gained a lot of steam since it was first introduced. However, it’s still not as
popular as the biggest CAD and digital design tools.
This lack of familiarity means that it doesn’t yet have the same support community built
around it that some other software packages have. Furthermore, many firms shy away
from Revit because of the BIM component.

Of course, this will change in time. As more firms switch to building information
modelling, Revit will become even more popular. Just don’t expect to find the same size
community as the one that AutoCAD enjoys.