BIM Software

Ever thought of constructing a building virtually even before placing a single brick?

It is possible with the help of Building Information Modelling (BIM). Beyond 3D modelling, BIM brings all a building’s components into an intelligent, data-rich model. Architects, Engineers and construction teams can easily make better decisions with more precision.

Key Takeaways

• BIM software enables intelligent, shared 3D models that can carry geometry, cost and asset data.
• Different disciplines require different tools. Be it- architectural, structural, civil, MEP, construction or facility management, BIM software solves a distinct problem.
• Numerous BIM standards such as ISO 19650, IFC, COBie and buildingSMART’s OpenBIM keep data consistent across all teams and vendors.
• Shifting from CAD software to BIM minimizes rework, improves coordination and gives owners a usable model for operations.
• With the constant evolution of technology, bim building information modeling software is being reshaped by cloud collaboration, AI, IoT and digital twins.
• While choosing the best BIM software solution,identify the ones that fit your workflow, integrate with your tech stack and support data exchange.

Understanding Building Information Modeling (BIM)

BIM, Building Information Modeling, is the process of creating and managing a digital representation of a building or an infrastructure asset throughout its lifecycle. The model offers dynamic representation. In BIM, each wall, beam, and cable tray is an object with properties such as material, dimensions, and cost. In effect, changing one element and its related views causes corresponding schedules and quantities to update along with it. Often, BIM is confused with the tools that support it. Hence, BIM is the methodology, and software is the technology that makes it practical.

What is BIM Software and How Does It Work?

If you want to know about building information modelling bim software – consider this, BIM is essentially a way that teams can design, simulate, manage their buildings in a collaborative, digital format prior to, and during the construction phase. Most BIM software follows a similar four-step process:

• Create a 3-Dimensional model of your project: In BIM, when a 3-dimensional model is created it is called a “parametric” model. This means each object has specific behaviors based on predefined parameters. For example – a door will always be inside a wall; a wall will always connect to a floor; etc. It’s the use of these “rules”, which separate BIM from a simple 3-D drawing.
• Add models of all disciplines: In the BIM process, architects create an architectural model defining the interior space layout and finishes; structural engineers add an engineering model including frame structures and foundation layouts; and the Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) engineer creates his/her model showing the routes of mechanical, electrical & plumbing systems. Once these three models have been developed they are federated together into one cohesive view.
• Identify potential conflicts within the model: Because all discipline models exist in the same environment, software can identify clashes in the model – i.e., if there is a duct running through a beam
• Share the BIM model with other stakeholders: All versions of the BIM model reside in a Common Data Environment (CDE), most often in a Cloud environment. Stakeholders update the model; review new changes; and collaborate using a single version of the truth, as opposed to sending updated PDF drawings via email.

Key Benefits of Implementing BIM in Construction

• Fewer errors and rework: A clash detection catches coordination problems in the model early on, and not in the field. If caught in the field, fixes end up costing more.
• Affordable: Quantities are extracted straight from the model, hence estimates are more reliable.
• More predictable schedules: Linking the model to the program allows teams to test construction sequences.
• Stronger collaboration: All stakeholders (architects, engineers and contractors) work on the same data, which reduces miscommunication.
• Improved safety: Teams plan site logistics and carry out energy analysis early when changes are affordable.
• Long term asset value: This handover model provides owners a database for various operations.

Different Types of BIM Software and Their Applications

Architectural BIM Software

Architectural BIM software applications have been developed primarily for architects and their firms. They provide support for developing conceptual designs through to final architectural documentation. Architectural BIM applications allow users to create and edit 2D and 3D representations of buildings and associated systems. Users may employ these applications to prepare plans, sections, elevations, renderings, and other graphic materials used in communicating building design information to clients.

Structural BIM Software

Structural BIM software applications are designed to assist engineers in creating, editing and analyzing structural models. Structural modeling includes creating the physical structure of the building including walls, columns, beams, floors and roofs. Reinforcement detailing involves defining the size and placement of reinforcing bars embedded in concrete structures. Structural analysis uses computational methods to determine how the structure responds to forces such as wind and gravity. In addition to generating structural models, structural BIM software often allows engineers to connect to structural analysis engines using API calls.

This enables users to perform static and dynamic analysis of the structural model based on load conditions defined by architects or engineers.  Structural BIM software applications support three-dimensional modeling of steel, concrete, and wood framed structures.

BIM Software for Civil Engineering

Civil engineering projects involve large scales of development and require specialized tools to accommodate those needs.  Typical civil projects include highway design, bridge design and utility planning. Civil engineering requires large amounts of geographic data relative to building-based projects. Therefore, civil engineering BIM software applications work well with survey data and geographic data.

MEP BIM Software

MEP (Mechanical Electrical Plumbing) BIM software provides support for designing and coordinating mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Mechanical systems include HVAC , piping systems, fire suppression systems, etc. Electrical systems include power distribution panels, lighting systems, and telecommunications systems. Plumbing systems consist of potable water distribution systems and sanitary waste removal systems.

Construction BIM Software

Construction BIM software supports construction sequencing, site coordination, quantity takeoffs, and project monitoring. Contractors use it to plan crane positions, stage deliveries, track progress against the model, and keep field teams aligned with the latest design.

Facility Management BIM Software

Once the building is handed over, facility management BIM software supports tracking of assets, maintenance planning and building operations. The model contains equipment records and warranties, which helps facility teams shift from reactive repairs to planned maintenance.

Unsure which type of BIM software fits your project?
Talk to our team about the right tools and integrations

Specialized BIM Software for Civil Engineering & Infrastructure

Infrastructure is different from building management. Instead of having a defined footprint, infrastructure deals with long linear assets and managing existing utilities.

How Infrastructure Projects Use BIM Software for Civil Engineering?

Infrastructure project-specific needs will determine how a particular tool(s) are applied.

• Terrain Modeling: Survey information, LiDAR and drone imagery are converted into Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), which provide designers with an accurate representation of the pre-existing topography of the site.
• Corridor Design: Roadways, railroads, and canals can be created in corridor form with alignment, profile and cross section relationships that all update simultaneously should one relationship change.
• Utility Routing: Utility lines such as water, sewer, gas, power and telecommunications are modeled to check for conflicts among themselves or with pre-existing underground utilities.
• Grade Model Development: Designers create the grade surface of the site; calculate cut/fill volumes and determine total earthwork tonnage by direct extraction of the model.

Key Standards Used in BIM

BIM works only when everyone speaks the same language. A designer in a particular country, a contractor in another and an asset owner may all use different software. It is standardized processes that ensure that data survives in case of handoffs. These standards help reduce vendor lock-in and make BIM adoption less risky.

ISO 19650 – Information Management Using BIM

ISO 19650 was developed by members of the British Standards Institution (BSI) working group BG 56/ AEC BIM Work Group. The standard builds upon previous work conducted by WG1 of the BuildingSMART Technical Committee.

Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) – Open BIM Data Exchange

buildingSMART is the global organization behind Industry Foundation Class (IFC), which is an open and neutral file format for data exchange between different applications used for BIM. The organization aims to promote open, non-proprietary BIM solutions for building design and construction.

buildingSMART Standards and OpenBIM

The core idea of OpenBIM is to allow users to easily create and share digital models between various BIM tools. Users are able to do this without having to rely on proprietary formats that may restrict future modifications or exchanges.

Another area of activity in buildingSMART is developing standards that enable collaboration between teams, vendors and owners. These include data dictionaries, information delivery specifications and other resources that help teams define and validate their needs for data from suppliers and contractors.

COBie – Construction Operations Building Information Exchange

COBie defines the structured asset data handed to owners at project completion, such as equipment lists, spaces, systems and maintenance information. It makes sure the facility team receives usable data instead of a pile of files.

National BIM Standards and Regional Guidelines

Numerous countries add their own requirements in addition to international standards.The UK, Singapore and several other markets have BIM mandates or guidance for their public projects. India has been developing its own guidance as uder adoption keeps growing.

CAD to BIM: Moving from Traditional Design to Intelligent Modelling

CAD drawings have been used for decades. Organizations now need to determine when and how to make the transition to BIM (Building Information Modeling).

Understanding the Difference Between CAD and BIM

CAD is simply electronic drafting. Lines, arcs, and text describe a building, but the CAD program has no knowledge that a group of lines represents a wall. A BIM (Building Information Model) uses real-world building elements and attaches their relevant data. In CAD, a plan, section, and schedule are all independent drawings which will have to be individually updated by hand. However, in BIM, these three are merely different views of the same model.

Why Construction Teams Are Moving from CAD to BIM?

Industry-wide reasons for making this switch include; costly field errors caused by poor coordination among 2D drawings, clients/public agencies requiring BIM deliverables, contractors wanting trusted quantities/sequencing, and property owners wanting access to valuable post-construction data. As construction teams continue to use CAD, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a competitive edge regarding both cost and time efficiency.

How CAD Drawings Are Converted into BIM Models?

There is generally a predictable process for converting CAD drawings into BIM models.

• Assess your source drawings: Verify that your floor plans, cross-sections, and elevations are all present and accurately depict your project.
• Establish standards: Determine what degree of detail you want in your new model (e.g., material, location, etc.), define your naming convention for model elements, and develop your overall model organization strategy.
• Create your new model: Utilize your original CAD drawings as references to create walls, floors, structural elements, and service components using intelligent object-based modeling.
• Add Data: Add data to your newly created model elements (walls, floors, etc.) based on the physical characteristics of those elements (material type, specification number, etc.).
• Verify Your New Model: Conduct a series of verification activities including; coordinate clashes, check accuracy against your original CAD drawings, etc.

Existing structures without good drawings may utilize laser scanning technology combined with 3D point cloud technology to identify any deficiencies in the drawings and provide a comprehensive description of the structure.

Benefits of CAD-to-BIM Conversion

A converted CAD drawing provides a solid foundation for future renovations/retrofits; faster creation of quantity takeoff documents; improved coordination and reduced risk due to fewer potential conflicts between trades; and ultimately a robust facility management platform that can be relied upon for years.

As BIM continues to evolve, Experion Technologies helps businesses explore emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing and IoT to build smarter and more connected engineering solutions.

Future Trends in Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software

The new generation of BIM solutions will be much smarter, and the way you collaborate with others will be significantly enhanced by increased connectivity and accessibility.

AI-Powered BIM Automation

Artificial Intelligence is being applied now to perform repetitive tasks associated with creating models, to compare designs based upon predetermined standards and make suggestions for improvement, freeing up professional’s time for their judgments.

Cloud-Based BIM Collaboration

Teams working remotely are able to work collaboratively on the same building information model (BIM) using Cloud-Based systems in real-time while having complete control over who accesses what parts of the model and how often changes were made.

Digital Twins and Real-Time Building Monitoring

Each digital twin connects the BIM model created during construction to all of the live data generated from an asset. A model that was once valid when handed over is replaced by a continuous source of information about the state of the assets. Owners have an active model of their asset that they may monitor and run simulations against.

Integration of BIM with IoT

Data generated from sensors measuring temperature, occupancy, energy usage, and other metrics regarding equipment condition is sent back to the model. Bim provides location-based context for this data. Therefore, a facilities manager does not simply know that there is some issue with a sensor; he/she knows exactly where in the building and on what equipment there is an issue.

Generative Design and Automated Modeling

Generative tools explore many design options against goals such as cost, daylight or structural efficiency. Designers then choose among the best-performing results.

AR and VR-Enabled BIM Visualization

Augmented and virtual reality let stakeholders walk through a design before it exists, or overlay the model on a live site to check progress and installation accuracy.

Planning to build next-generation BIM capabilities into your product or workflow?
Let’s talk

How BIM Improves the Maintenance of Regulations and Standards?

Compliance is another important quiet advantage of using BIM (Building Information Model).
When BIM has all the Rules embedded into it, then the ability to check those rules becomes a Systematic Process.

Automated Compliance Checking

BIM allows for Rule-based Compliance Check Software to automatically identify compliance issues within the building information model in relation to items such as exit width, clearance and fire separation. This process identifies potential compliance issues prior to a permit being issued.

Integration of Building Codes and Regulatory Requirements

The requirements of codes and regulations can be incorporated into a model through Rule Sets. Therefore when a design change is made to the model, the same compliance checks will occur with little additional effort.

Consistent Documentation and Audit Trails

Since all drawings and schedules are generated from one source model, documenting consistency is achieved. The version history of models provides audit trails to support the auditing process and resolve disputes.

Automated Updates to Regulatory and Project Standards

If there is a new regulation or new company standards; the rule sets can be updated by the team once and checked against every other active project, rather than rely upon individual personnel to remember.

Improved Quality Assurance and Risk Management

Structural compliance checks, documentation integrity and early identification of clashes assist in reducing risk factors related to quality and safety. Potential errors become apparent during their low cost time frame.

Key Features to Look for in the Best Building Information Modelling (BIM) Software

When comparing options for the best building information modelling (BIM) software, test the capabilities against your real workflow.

Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration & Cloud Syncing

All architects, engineers and contractors can work within the same project with controlled positions and syncing. All collaboration takes place within a common data environment.

Parametric 3D Modeling & Parametric Objects

Parametric objects are made to keep all of the rules and information for your model, which will allow you to make changes to the rules or data and have those changes occur across your entire project. If you create a solid library of parametric objects that can be used repeatedly during design, it can save you a lot of time creating each new project and ensure consistency.

Automatic Cost Estimation (5D BIM) & Clash Detection

The ability to convert quantities into automatic cost estimates is a feature that should exist within your software. Additionally, it would also be beneficial if your software had strong clash detection features that were both configurable and could be done as part of the normal process of designing

OpenBIM and IFC File Interoperability

When using your software, having strong importing and exporting capabilities for IFC files helps protect you from becoming locked into one specific type of software while allowing you to work with collaborators that may use different types of software.

Integration with Third-Party Applications

Check whether the software offers open APIs and integrations with tools for structural analysis, scheduling, cost management, document management, and ERP. Custom BIM software development and connectors can further bridge functionality gaps and support specific project requirements.

4D and 5D Modelling Capabilities

By linking 3D models with construction schedules (4D) and cost data (5D), teams can simulate construction sequences, enable forecasting of budgets and assess the impact of design changes before construction.

Understanding the 7 Dimensions of BIM

The dimensions of BIM construction software tend to describe the information layers added to a model. Each dimension adds an additional level of insight.The early stages such as concept data and 2D drawings tend to set the foundation. Most dimensions start at 3D.

The dimensions include:

• 3D BIM (Three-Dimensional Modelling)-This layer acts as the foundation of BIM. It combines 3D geometry with data-rich objects. Teams can easily visualize building components and spatial relationships. Design clashes can be identified even before construction starts.
• 4D BIM (Time and Scheduling)– Construction schedules are integrated with the 3D model. Thus, teams can visualize construction sequences, keep track of project progress and plan resources effectively.
• 5D BIM (Cost Estimation and Budgeting)- Cost information is added to the model. All cost related activities such as quantity calculation, expense estimation and monitoring of budgets can be done easily. Cost estimates can be updated as design changes are made.
• 6D BIM (Sustainability and Energy Analysis)- It incorporates energy performance data to evaluate factors like daylight, carbon emissions and material efficiency. The end outcome is to make better environment friendly decisions.
• 7D BIM (Facility Management)- This layer provides context beyond construction. An asset’s information, operational data and equipment specifications are incorporated into this layer. Facility managers can utilize this information to streamline building operations and plan long-term maintenance.

Where Does AI Fit into BIM?

BIM software solutions use artificial intelligence to enhance the building information modeling process by automating processes, predicting future outcomes and enhancing decision making. In no way will an artificial intelligence system replace the BIM but rather build upon the richly detailed structured data that BIM has produced for years.

AI-Powered Automated Design and Modelling

The first part of designing a project involves generating potential layouts. An artificial intelligence tool can help create those layouts faster. Additionally, AI can take a sketch or scan of a space and turn it into a model element quickly. This enables rapid completion of repetitive tasks during the initial design phase.

Automated Clash Detection and Design Validation

While current technology flags conflicts (clashes), machine learning can identify what are likely to be most critical, group similar problems together and provide possible solutions. The result is less “noise” for coordinating professionals to contend with.

Predictive Cost Estimation and Project Scheduling

An AI system will learn from previous projects and make cost estimates and duration predictions more accurate than traditional methods. In addition, an AI system will also alert a team if their project is trending away from its original schedule.

AI-Driven Risk Identification and Management

Through analyzing patterns in models, schedules and site data, an AI system will identify potential safety, quality and delivery risks prior to manual review.

Generative Design and Design Optimization

A generative design utilizing an artificial intelligence engine will evaluate many possible designs based on constraints including budget, energy usage and structural integrity, etc. Then the best design will be surfaced.

Intelligent Building Maintenance and Predictive Analytics

Utilizing combined data from an IoT-enabled Digital Twin and an Artificial Intelligence Engine, the AI engine can analyze predicted failure rates for building equipment, thus recommending maintenance activities prior to equipment failure resulting in lower operational costs.

Interested in adding AI to your BIM workflows?
Our team can help you design and build it

Conclusion

BIM software has revolutionized how buildings and infrastructure are designed and constructed. Disconnected drawings can be replaced with a shared, intelligent model that supports smoother constructions and smarter operations.

The value of the model depends on standards, automation and data-driven decision making. Whether you wish to begin a CAD to BIM conversion or build a digital twin strategy , the right approach combines the right software with a plan.