The significance of choosing the right software for BIM (Building Information Modeling) lies in the fact that BIM is not only used in the planning and design phase of the project, but all the way through the building life cycle, supporting processes including cost supervision, assembly management, assignment management and facility operation. Based on certain common characteristics like technology, drawing production and work sharing, a valid comparison can be made between the popular BIM softwares: ArchiCAD and Revit.

Technology – Speed, Power and Usability

• Revit has a relatively slow engine, lacking multi-processing at its core code level. The 64 bit claim does not really allow the large files and the RAM requirements are still 20 times the model file size. While working on larger workstations, they have to be restarted about every 4 hours. Whereas all the latest versions of ArchiCAD are way faster, even while using older workstations.
• The BIM on Revit automatically creates a relationship between the elements of the building, without the user instigating those relationships. This parametric approach causes the model to be inflexible towards design progression. In fact, it creates a dead-end which can only be determined by deleting elements and rebuilding them in the correct order.
• Commands in ArchiCAD are easier to implement, while many more clicks are required with Revit.

The snap tools of ArchiCAD seem to work better than those of Revit and provide better accuracy too.

Drawing Production

• Revit and ArchiCAD provide automatic sheet numbering but the drawback with Revit is that it is not able to keep the correct numbering when a sheet is removed or renamed.
• ArchiCAD has the option of changing the pen sizes for various drawings before printing, even if these drawings are on a single sheet. Without changing the actual model, the user can define the pen size for each detail before sending to print. This is not possible with Revit.
• Creating a new hatch pattern with Revit is almost impossible, while with ArchiCAD it is quite an easy task.

Revit is not able to support the curved grid systems; whereas its counterpart supports almost any shape.

Work Sharing

• Being fully multithreaded, ArchiCAD and its companion BIM server technology make full use of the multi‐core and multi‐processor machines, enabling them to serve the workstations directly. It is not restricted to interactions between the LAN server and a central WAN server in another office.
• The ArchiCAD server works across domains and has a built-in IM System, facilitating task oriented instant team communication.
• The notifications in ArchiCAD give a better overview of which team member is working on what part of the model.

Both the softwares have their sets of advantages. Based on features like speed, power and work sharing, ArchiCAD does seem to be the better tool. Moreover, unlike Revit, there are no hidden settings in ArchiCAD.

Solibri Model Checker Version 9, being a model checker tool, inherits the basic function of checking BIM model for potential problems, conflicts, or design code violations. From its previous versions, this tool also includes visualization, walkthrough, interference detection, and model comparison capabilities. The application makes BIM files from all IFC compatible software products accessible for you in a single setting for checking.

What Makes SMC version 9 a Quality Assurer?

The application boasts of several high utility features like:

• Robust compression technology that reduces model sizes dramatically
• Ability to combine multi- disciplinary models in one file
• Excellent 3 dimensional visual interface
• Extensive range of rule sets to check a model
• Devoted Ruleset Manager to put together rules to desired standards and create new rules
• Ability to effortlessly generate presentations and reports showing the inspection results
• Wide-ranging information takeoff capabilities with several customizable definitions to precisely control the output
• New Hyperlink Manager that allows links to be added at any level
• Good quality of built-in documentation and several online leaning videos

What is Different with Version 9 of Solibri Model Checker?

With the advent of BIM, the Solibri Model Checker also became quite popular along with other BIM authoring tools. It is one of the few applications available in the AEC industry that actually integrates some level of intelligence about building design and construction.

• Enhanced checklist and information provision: This version of the application has an added feature of ‘remember to check’ rules, which helps as a reminder of tasks that improve QA/QC but may not be directly related to the BIM file. It enables the user to confirm what else is happening with the apparatus involved and, instead of reporting hundreds of interferences, we can find the one reason that caused the problem.
• Faster and simpler issue handling: Including content for issues is made simpler by directly adding them from the default content box, along with the issue description. Rule name, description, category name, issue name and description to default comments are automatically attached. Hyperlinks can also be added to the rule-sets.
• Easy Admission and Management: To quickly access and add available rules to current projects from within SMC, the Solibri Solution Center has been established. To assist with the delivery of new rule-sets whenever such a need arise, it proves quite beneficial.
• Improved Rule Systems: As the complexity of the project increases, so does the requirement of much more demanding rule-sets to ensure better quality. To counter this need, the SMC version 9 comes with the ‘self configurable rule-sets’ feature.
• Cloud-based Licensing: A separate license server is not required anymore. With the cloud-based licensing system, the users and administrators can now directly access licenses and any selected add-ons.

SMC successfully identifies potential issues and design flaws in the BIM files on the basis of predefined rules and building codes. Issues are resolved quite strictly and located in the BIM model too. The new improved version of the application makes it nothing less than quality assurance at your fingertips.

The much hyped release of both the new versions of ArchiCAD and Revit has fuelled various predictions being made with respect to the future of the BIM authoring tools. It would be better not to get riveted in what the future holds for these softwares; but rather just find out what these new versions of the tools have got to offer.

ArchiCAD 17

Going by what Mies van der Rohe, considered as the pioneer of modern architecture, once said – God is in the details, GRAPHISOFT was clever enough to turn this into the tagline – BIM is in the details – for ArchiCAD 17. The new features of the software include the following:

• Improvements in Workflow – Integrated Design, Visualization and Analysis Workflow
  Various workflow improvements have been incorporated in ArchiCAD 17 including improved MORPH tools to support conceptual design. Fully functional BIMx is provided in every installation. This ensures the sharing of BIM projects by the users with their clients in the form of interactive BIM project environments. Element heights can now selectively be linked to story levels.
• Boost in Directly Accessible GDL Content for ArchiCAD Users
  Access to a wide range of BIM content by real manufacturers is given to the users on ArchiCAD by integration with BIMobject.com.
• Priority Based Connections
  This cutting edge feature has been included in the latest version of the software. The inclusion of priority based system for the automatic solution rendering of element connections was anticipated for quite some time now.
• Intelligent Building Materials
  More consistency for derive documents, linking thermal properties to the material itself and many such attributes are the result of this feature. Intelligent Element Association to Story Heights and Intelligent Reference Line Handling of Elements are the newly included features too.

Revit 2014

Revit has come a long way since it released its maiden version of the software. There are various new features in the latest Revit 2014:

Platform and Architectural Features

• Building Element Energy Analysis
• Displaced Elements
• Dockable Window Framework and Enhancements
• Double-Click to Edit Enhancements
• Interoperability Enhancements
• Materials UI Enhancements
• Productivity Enhancements
• Non-Rectangular Crop Regions
• Parameter Variance for Groups
• Room Calculation Point
• Schedules Enhancements
• Selection Enhancements
• Split Elevations
• Temporary View Templates
• View Navigation Performance
• Stairs & Railings Enhancements
• Point Cloud Improvements
• Alternate Dimensions
• Enhanced API

MEP Features

• Air Terminal on Duct
• Angle Constraints
• Cap Open Ends
• CSV File Removal Project
• Duct and Pipe Calculations to API
• Plumbing Template
• Split Systems

Structural Features

• Enhanced Analytical Model
• Reinforcement Enhancements
• Rebar Placement Constraints Customization
• Improved Rebar Tagging
• Improved Positioning of Beams and Braces
• Join Geometry Ordering
• Structural Analysis and Code Checking Toolkit for Autodesk Revit

Building Performance Analysis

• Energy Analysis for Architectural Building Elements
• GBS Analysis App Feature

Both the versions of the BIM authoring tools have incorporated a number of changes to ensure they have an up-to-date interface.

Nearly 17.24% facility management / operations firms in the AEC industry used BIM in 2007, according to a survey conducted by ACEbytes. This number has increased significantly over the years. With the increasing use of BIM in the field of facility management, the BIM tools used by such firms like ArchiFM have also gained immense popularity.

Reasons for the Popularity of ArchiFM

The major reasons that ArchiFM has growing popularity lie in the features, functioning and benefits of using the application. The application comes integrated with ArchiCAD.

Functionality of ArchiFM

ArchiFM specifically fulfills the needs of facility managers and maintenance personnel. The system of the application has the following modules:

1. Asset Planner: With the asset planner, it is simple to review events to forecast long range resource plans. The important functions of this module are:

• Area management
• Asset management
• Tenant / Contract management
• Move management

2. Maintenance: The application provides website access to submit maintenance reports and track issues. It is easy to review maintenance events on equipment / space by time and status. It undertakes maintenance as breakdown maintenance and preventative maintenance.

3. Helpdesk/ Reporting Services: It is for the users / residents to report breakdown events.

Features of ArchiFM

• It offers real time data harmonization between the BIM model and the FM database and the users making sure that all the changes and reports are rapidly and correctly managed for everyone.
• ArchiFM can import BIM models from all programs using IFC files or runs natively within ArchiCAD to offer the most powerful and effective workflow.
• With the help of devices like PDAs, iPhones and iPads or uncomplicated web-browsers, maintenance workers and facility managers can quickly report equipment breakdowns or use repair manuals, service history and much more.
• Remotely made updates are circulated through the entire FM/BIM system to make sure all users can gain access to the most recent information.

Advantages of using ArchiFM

• Cost-effective planning of company workflow and procedures can be done easily.
• Work strikes can be prevented or reduced and sporadic malfunctions can be quickly and effectively repaired as well.
• Up to date status reports can be generated at any time.
• Human resources can be organized faster and with more flexibility, so the maintenance crew works more efficiently.
• Enhanced safety at workplace.
• Lower inventory costs.
• More precise cost breakdowns for client-related and physical plant-related cost centers.
• Data necessary for medium- and long-term planning can be accessed and processed directly.
• Technical equipment and facilities can be used more efficiently as a result of regular maintenance, better supervision and technical checks.

ArchiFM enables the user to successfully manage and optimize maintenance events; hence offering improved maintenance procedures, improved financial results and improved customer service to its users. Along with ArchiCAD, it offers a complete solution for building design, presentations, construction, estimation, energy analysis and facility management all on one strong platform.

2D drawing is a layout of the design on a plane surface, drafting done on paper in forms of blueprints by a draftsman sitting at a drafting table. Digital 2D CAD incorporates the same drafting processes into computer programs and the design is drawn on the computer monitor rather than on a piece of paper. Converting the same 2D drawings into 3D BIM is not very strenuous, while being very beneficial.

Advantages of Converting 2D Drawings to BIM

Conversion of 2D drawing to BIM is greatly beneficial to the firms in the AEC industry:

• Improved visualization: With paper drawings in 2D, all the information is presented in a plane format. There is no other way to view the drawing from different angles. A 2D drawing of a building or a product requires the viewer to visualize what it will actually look like once it is built or manufactured. This means that the understanding of the product or building is limited to each viewer’s ability to visualize the finished construction. Not many people are good at this type of visualization, which makes it difficult to collaborate and revise the design. On the other hand, BIM adds various dimensions to the model, enabling users to view the drawing from any angle. In BIM, the model is shown exactly the way it will look when it is completed.
• Secure funding: Getting funding for a project is usually more successful when the project is presented as a BIM model. A simple 2D drawing does not attract attention or excite the investor. On the other hand, the different dimensions in a BIM tend to make an impression. 3D BIM gives a project the extra dimension and the ability to influence, which promotes successful projects.
• Easy to make changes: A 2D CAD file is produced using lines in layers and if you need to make any design changes, you have to change each sheet manually. In a BIM project, when you make a design change, you make it only one time and the change is propagated throughout the model, along with any subsidiary changes that need to be made to other areas of the design to contain the initial change.
• Cost effective: Due to the easily incorporable changes in a BIM project, it prevents a lot of time and money from getting wasted. The designs in BIM are flawless and add a lot of credibility to the body of work.
• Better life cycle assessment: The entire lifecycle analyses of a building can be done with BIM in a much better and reliable manner, also ensuring improved facility management.

The manufacturing process becomes much easier and simpler when the design layout is in BIM because of the better understanding it projects. The procedure of converting 2D drawings to 3D BIM is hassle free but finding the right CAD experts for the same would be beneficial in the long run.

The usage of building information modeling (BIM) had increased from 28% to 71% in the construction industry, according to a McGraw-Hill Construction survey. These statistics show a paradigm shift of firms in the AEC industry to BIM. Shifting to BIM is no doubt beneficial, but doing it the right way, with the help of BIM consultancy, may be what is required. BIM is not a product but a process change, which requires change management. Here is when the role of a BIM consultant gets defined.

How a BIM Consultant Can Help You

Newly BIM adopting firms need to be aware that frequently workarounds are required in BIM tools as there are instances where there would not be a sure shot way to solve a modeling problem. This is when most users require professional help. It is important to understand that BIM improves efficiency, which means that firms can give more output for less input, which is significant in today’s tough economic environment. Moreover, the governments of many countries have made it mandatory for the AEC industry to adopt this technology by a definite time period.

BIM consultancy helps a firm to grow and adapt to the changes that come with shifting to BIM.

A firm may put in a lot of money and time in BIM software and provide short term training to their employees. This, however, may not get any effective results – faster drafting, enhanced quality or higher productivity. Due to this, the company might end up spending more time and money in keeping up with BIM rather than cherishing its fruits. This is the situation that a consultant can help a firm with and prevent it from facing anything like this.

BIM Consultant Helps With

• Exploring business opportunities
• Suggestions regarding the right amount of investments at the right intervals
• Instance access to expertise of experienced people
• Better communication and coordination
• Change management
• Setting down more concrete goals and timelines
• More accurate estimation of cost
• Reduced field cycle time

A  BIM consultant would be able to offer better optimized BIM solutions, leading to a more advanced and enhanced solution. A sound BIM consultant would not offer a ‘one size fits all’ approach to all situations. They are not selling a standardized product, but rather a highly customized service. A BIM consultant helps firms in managing and understanding the entire BIM process and the way it is used throughout the lifecycle of a building or construction.

Although it has been more than twenty years since the advent of Building Information Modeling or BIM, AEC companies are still discovering how best to use BIM tools. One of the primary areas currently in focus for such companies is how waste can be reduced in the process of implementing BIM.

“Inefficient virtual coordination meetings, cumbersome BIM files, and a ‘rush to model’ mentality are just some of the profit-eating miscues that are commonplace in the AEC industry,” says David Barista, Editor-in-Chief of Building Design + Construction, in his article on 7 Ways to Cut Waste in BIM Implementation, posted on Bdcnetwork.com.

In order to fully understand how we can make BIM effective as well as efficient, we will take a look at the ways to cut down on waste through a series of three articles. In this first part, we take a look at three ways that can benefit the concept phase.

• Using “Tribal Knowledge” to Your Advantage

When it comes to operating BIM projects, large AEC firms often follow the Henry Fordish model of workflow. This model works by assigning specific tasks to specialists, such as production experts, design specialists, and construction administration specialists. Each is expected to manage a specific task in the BIM project. Although theoretically efficient, the model leads to a lot of waste and additional costs because each person is working on only a part of the puzzle and move from project to project doing just that part. The problem arises when the project moves from the design phase to the documentation phase. With this transition, the team members change, which in turn leads to some amount of loss of “tribal knowledge,” or the larger picture of the project.

The way to prevent the larger picture being lost along the way is to have a consistent team through both the design and the documentation phase. Today, AEC firms are moving to using best-in-class OpenBIM software, such as ArchiCAD, Tekla, Scia, StruSoft, Solibri, and DDS. Effective utilization of the Open BIM concept enables an organization to achieve an open and transparent workflow, by creating a common language for commonly used processes. With its various features, it represents a revolutionary way of interdisciplinary collaboration for the AEC industry. This is another way that “tribal knowledge” can be persevered across the project.

• Making the Most of the BIM Coordination Meeting

While BIM/VDC tools can work wonders, the true benefits of BIM coordination cannot be fully realized by the Building Team until you have productive and efficient coordination meetings. The Open BIM concept and the IFC file format can come in handy for coordination meetings as well.

Coordination is not a one-time exchange of data, but a continuing two-way process. With the IFC Coordination view, the BIM model can be shared across various disciplines, such as design, structural engineering and building services. It goes a step further by achieving workflow compatibility via transparent protocols, along with data interpretation, to facilitate an open interface. With Solibri Optimizer, you can reduce the size of your files and share them much more efficiently.

•  Avoid Double Modeling

It is not necessary to create complex 3D conceptual models using the company’s precious resources when working with clients on early design concepts. This is because the company might need to recreate the model in a BIM environment, which would result in a huge loss of resources.

 “At some firms, people will spend 40 hours or more building three different project models in SketchUp,” says Thom Chuparkoff, AIA, LEED AP, Associate with Populous. “You don’t need three fully baked ideas, fully modeled, to present to the client. You need five or six good ideas, and not necessarily modeled,” he adds.

 Chuparkoff suggests that organizations should avoid double modeling whenever possible. Instead of using high-tech design and sketching tools, they should use old-fashioned ways of designing at an early stage of the project. “We often bypass conceptual 3D modeling software by encouraging the use of other mediums, such as clay and digital sketch models, early on to develop and refine ideas to the point where they can be modeled in BIM for the client one time. Before you get into the hard-line modeling, try to vet as much as you can the good old-fashioned way,” suggests Chuparkoff.

You can further check it for any faults or flaws via Solibri Model Checker even before the construction starts. The BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) will help the team, in a collaborative environment, to get hold of the issues in the model, along with their statuses and the people responsible for resolving them. This will prevent wastage of resources and time for the design team.

AEC company leaders are responsible for initiating the gains that can be achieved through the efficient use of BIM. If you are one of the decision makers of your company, make sure that you encourage the use of OpenBIM software, such as ArchiCAD, Tekla, Scia, StruSoft, Solibri and DDS. You may face some objections, but remember that “nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.”

If you have further questions or want to know how to join OpenBIM, contact us at http://www.bimhow.com/contact/. To know more about the ways to cut waste in BIM implementation, continue reading our next article in this series.

Our previous article had elaborated the ways in which waste can be minimized in the process of BIM implementation during the beginning stages of a project. Let’s take the process further and take a look at the ways to cut down on waste and maximize gains from BIM during the building stage of a project in this article.

“Process mapping, split models, and streamlined coordination meetings are among the timesaving techniques AEC firms are employing to improve BIM/VDC workflows.”

~ David Barista, Editor-in-Chief, Building Design + Construction

Effective implementation of BIM in an AEC project can result in better collaboration between different building professionals working on the same project. While BIM implementation can maximize productivity and profit margins, AEC firms need to be careful about some common “profit-eating miscues” during the implementation phase, says David Barista, in his article, 7 Ways to Cut Waste in BIM Implementation, published on Bdcnetwork.com.

Here’s a look at some ways to cut down on waste when implementing BIM during the building phase:

• Use Process Mapping

AEC professionals often start building a model without proper preparation. As a result, they may end up creating inefficiencies and less-than-ideal models, leading to waste of the company’s resources. This is exactly why many industry experts recommend that AEC professionals should use process-mapping techniques, such as business process modeling and value stream mapping.

For effective process mapping, building professionals should use a BIM manual, which will help them to structure collaboration easily. Using a manual would help you focus on the core project, rather than wasting time on finding out how the entire BIM model works. BIM Equity offers custom made BIM manuals that can be used to set up office standards and maximize employee performance. With years of hands-on experience in the field, we create BIM manuals for organizations to distribute information internally, collaborate externally and to achieve dependable models.

• Avoid Unmanageably Large File Sizes

Loading and sharing of large BIM files can create problems and result in loss of time and resources. For instance, if the files take a long time to load during coordination meetings, it could lead to wastage in the BIM implementation process. One way to deal with this issue is to split up large files whenever possible. While using a central BIM model helps to store all the information in a single storehouse, you could split the entire model into manageable portions. You can also use Solibri IFC optimizer to reduce the size of a file and share it in an efficient manner.

• Update the BIM/VDC Standard of Your Company

With the BIM/VDC software industry adopting new technology, an AEC firm needs to update its BIM/VDC standard regularly. To help you be at par with the industry standards, BIMEquity offers you services in close association with Aidea, a world-leading the architectural firm. We also offer the benefits of transferring 2D drawings to BIM for operators and contractors.

It is possible to reduce waste when implementing BIM. Use BIM to your company’s advantage with OpenBIM software such as ArchiCAD, Tekla, Scia, StruSoft, Solibri and DDS. Transitioning to a new model is never easy but you cannot wait to please everyone. Take the first steps with our help to smoothen the process.

If you have any questions or want to know how to join OpenBIM, contact us at http://www.bimhow.com/contact/. To know more about the ways to cut waste in BIM implementation, don’t forget to read our third and last article in this series.

In our previous articles, we discussed ways in which you can reduce waste through different stages of the design and construction process while using BIM. To be able to maximize gains from BIM implementation, we now bring it all together to give you an efficient and effective plan for implementation.

“Setting expectations and staying organized can be addressed through a simple, straightforward BIM execution plan that covers everything from schedule and roles to model sharing and level of development.”

~ David Barista, Editor-in-Chief, Building Design + Construction

Contrary to common belief, BIM is not simply a specific tool or software, it is a process. Implementing BIM and making the most out of this process requires putting in consistent efforts. AEC firms should take concrete steps to reduce wastage in BIM implementation.

Design a BIM Implementation Plan and Follow It

It is important to plan the BIM implementation process in great detail, so that the execution becomes organized and simple. The plan should cover everything, starting from the schedule to model sharing. In order to make a perfect BIM execution plan, you need take the following steps:

BIM Analysis: Before you design a BIM implementation plan for your company, you should have clear idea about certain things, such as how you would prepare for the transition from 2D to BIM, how you would develop your company with BIM, and so on. In other words, you need to analyze whether your company is ready to implement BIM and how you will go through the transition process. BIM Equity offers BIM analysis, a service that analyzes all important issues in order to find out the best way to implement BIM for your company.

Implement BIM: The BIM implementation plan would usually include some common steps, such as purchase and installation of the software, training of employees and adapting to the new BIM environment. It not only calls for investment but also requires strategic management decisions that will improve your company’s performance. To make sure you get the best out of the BIM transition, you could take the help from the BIM implementation services offered by us. BIM Equity works with you to develop the best possible plan as well as the process of its implementation. It is not uncommon for companies and employees to face some critical challenges when implementing BIM. We offer assistance in every aspect of the transition, starting from purchasing the tools to training the employees, and even ongoing support.

Returns on BIM Transition: The decision to implement BIM is a big one. It requires investment both in terms of money and company resources. Quite obviously, you would like to know about the returns on this investment. We, at the BIM Equity, have developed a calculator, which enables you to know the estimated returns. Once you get an estimate of your profits, you would be in a better position to decide whether you should make the investment.

Many leading AEC firms have experienced the benefits of transitioning to BIM. You too could gain from BIM implementation, especially if you do it the right way. All you need to do is contact us at http://www.bimhow.com/contact/ and we will help you assess whether transitioning to BIM would be a good idea for your firm and help you through every stage of the process so that the move is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

AECbytes,a trusted name in the construction industry, has reviewed the newly launched BIMx Docs from GRAPHISOFT, the new interactive BIM viewer. This is the next gen app to follow BIMx, which was launched in 2011. It combines 2D drawings and a 3D model into one file, which makes iteasy to use for situations where it is not practical to use a full BIM program. This makes it more efficient than GRAPHISOFT’s earlier BIMx app.

According to AECbytes, BIMx Docs is “the most impressive model-viewing app” they have tested, “with a slick interface and intuitive controls to navigate the model.” This app is incredibly easy to use and works well on devices like the iPad. It offers comprehensive understanding of the contexts of a BIM project by integrating the 2D and 3D components of the project in innovative ways, such as using hyperlinks, which provide smooth and seamless transitions.

However, BIM is much more than viewing 2D drawing and 3D models, it also provides useful information for any project. BIMx Docs has the ability to display a subset of the object’s characteristics, such as the types of object layers, ID and size, depending on the object in question.

Looking at the shortcomings of this app, AECbytes says that for now BIMx Docs is limited to only ArchiCAD models. Also, the more advanced files can only be opened on iOS at present. An Android version of BIMx Docs would be most welcome and GRAPHISOFThas stated that this might be imminent.

On the whole, AECbytes says, “BIMx Docs provides so much more than just viewing 3D models; it provides a way to get a comprehensive understanding of the entire project by exploring not only the 3D aspects of it but the supporting sheets and documentation as well. The navigation between all the related content is so seamless and intuitive that it is almost absurdly easy to jump from one view to another and quickly explore all of the published content.”

Some of the features that AECbytes would like to see in BIMx Docs are mark-up capabilities, a search option and the facility to control the visibility of various elements, among others.  This paid app is a bold move in a world that is still using mostly free ones. However, if this app succeeds, it will pave the way for more professional apps being created for the AEC industry.