by SEG

Created on: November 18, 2011   Last Updated: December 03, 2011

Collaborative digital modeling, such as the real-time engineering processes between Boeing and its overseas vendors has been a common practice in the manufacturing industry for decades, and this process has migrated to the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, where it is known as Building Information Modeling (BIM).

BIM unites two concepts.  The first is the hybrid mind-computer collaborative production, storage, use and exchange of complete 3D building models that are central repository for all multidisciplinary project data.

The second is the consolidated results (Eastman 2009) of a machine readable database that moves the design model directly into a fabrication and performance model.  BIM delivers an evolving, geometrically accurate representation of a building’s envelope, environment, components and objects and their relationships with one another, along with affiliated non-graphic information such as specifications, materials and cost estimates that are built into the model. 

With aggregate multidisciplinary input, design and other changes are absorbed into an integrated database that reflects a truthful one-source, real-time project model into diverse output: the coordinated multidisciplinary fabrication drawings, specifications, materials lists and construction schedules. Everyone’s up to date and on the same page.

A BIM is also capable of the clash analysis and construction simulations that generate an effective conduit for faster decision making and conflict resolutions between geographically dispersed offices and the project site.

Because of its digital design productivity and increased return on investment (ROI), BIM has been a rising construction industry force during the last decade with almost 50% of the building industry in North America using BIM today.  And this percentage of use is expected to increase as digital modeling continues to concurrently demonstrate another ROI booster: its ability to enhance the quality of a building's construction processes and outcomes. (McGraw-Hill, The Business Value of BIM 2009, 36)

A variety of BIM software programs developed by Autodesk, such as ArchiCAD are BIM tools.  ArchiCAD integrates a building’s entities, such as electrical and plumbing designs, walls and roof, stairwells and structural components- and element information such as material, height and cost- into one coordinated data-base.   A fully developed BIM digital

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