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Engineering Data Management: Building Information Modeling (BIM)

By Dick Weisinger

The latest buzz in the architectural and building design sector is BIM — Building Information Modeling.  BIM is souped-up 3D building design software.  The BIM model includes all building and design data, geometry and geographic information, a quantity list, and the metadata associated with all materials needed for construction.

Architectural BIM allows complete modeling of the geometry and construction of the walls, foundations, frames, roofs and window systems of a building. The model includes a comprehensive material property list, so that it is possible, for example, to be able to perform energy calculations given information like glass heat conductivity and material insulation values.

Structural BIM allows the CAD design to be simulated and tested under loads.  This helps in creating a design that can allow the selection of the proper placement of structural beams, supports and tresses.

Mechanical BIM aggregates mechanical, electrical and plumbing building information.  This includes data for things like water systems, sprinklers, lighting and circuits.

Unified BIM assists the designer by bringing together all building information into the interface of a single tool.  2D and 3D design, structural analysis, electrical, and energy calculations can all be done in a single unified environment.

Clearly a single BIM CAD design tool can simplify and streamline the process for designing buildings, but these kinds of tools aren’t capable (at least yet) of replacing the expertise of CAD designers and engineers.  But the aggregation of a total set of properties for a building saves a tremendous amount of time and and boosts the speed and efficiency with which these skilled employees work.

2 comments on “Engineering Data Management: Building Information Modeling (BIM)
  1. Very good blog site created. I like the way you have started your blog and written about design data, geometry and geographic information of BIM model.

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  2. We found this blog very insightful.Thanks for sharing. If you are looking to outsource Structural Engineering Services contact us today and get it outsourced to us.

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