Best BIM Software

Guide to BIM Software

A construction project is a collaborative effort. Engineers, architects, contractors and subcontractors, and more all work as a unit throughout the lifespan of a build. Everyone must have a clear vision of the project.

The complexity of projects requires all the moving pieces to cooperate efficiently. This can't happen if participants do not have a clear channel for sharing information. The best way to do this is with a BIM.

Building information modeling software is a 3D smart application. BIM is used to effectively plan, design, construct and manage builds. This is a shared resource of project data available to, among others, managers, supervisors and stakeholders. The software ensures all parties stay on the same page throughout the build.

BIM's shared information platform forms a reliable resource for making better choices throughout a project's lifespan. That's from the early moment of conception through to demolition.

BIM solutions start at supplying 3D models of buildings and infrastructures. Moving up the sophistication ladder, there are advanced BIM systems that manage budgets, scheduling and generating maintenance data.

When is BIM Used?

BIM is best used for large construction projects, typically any build with a budget of no less than $10 million. Smaller projects simply don't need features such as scheduling, clash detection and cost tracking.

What Are the Features of BIM Software?

BIM applications offer a range of powerful features that support the design and build of large structures. They manage multidiscipline designs. The following are some of the more common features BIM offers.

Visualization

BIM lets users design in 3D. The platform is smart, letting you factor in how the sunlight hits the structure, the infrastructure's energy efficiency and clashes in structures or systems.

Collaboration

As every project has unique teams and multiple moving parts, BIM can be the point-of-contact for all parties. With notifications and cross-platform communications, the BIM tool enables strong and easy collaboration across all project channels.

Sequencing

With the facility to develop and see models and submodels, users sequence each phase of a project. They can plot out materials and crews or use BIM tools for animation of the building process.

Cloud Rendering

Cloud rendering allows realistic 3D visuals without needing any additional rendering hardware.

Data Management & Document Storage

Every individual and team, from architect to electricians, will submit documentation for the project. Requirements and compliance guidelines, drawings and blueprints, phasing plans and more will go through the pipeline. BIMs store all this info in a single platform. If you buy a BIM, try and confirm data management and document storage are included in the features.

Import & Export 2D Sheets

Three-dimensional design has become the new standard, making 2D design almost obsolete. But that doesn't mean it's been abandoned. BIM platforms let users import and export 2D sheets, adding another layer to design. There's the option to take 2D designs and convert them to 3D as well.

Mechanical, Engineering, Plumbing Fabrication Detailing

Mechanical, engineering and plumbing detailing can be found in a number of BIM products. It's a useful tool for developing intricate models of systems for a building. This is one of the most critical components in infrastructure. BIMs let users specify fabrication configuration with needed load services.

Who Uses BIM?

Created generally for building design, BIM has many distinct roles. These roles contribute to the design and build of structures, from the planning of internal systems to the impact of structures on the environment. So, for many industries, BIM is beneficial in a variety of scenarios.

Construction

BIM is most commonly utilized by the construction industry. It facilities collaboration within all teams and individuals involved in the process. BIM allows aerial views and digital laying of groundwork for a build.

Infrastructure

BIM is an ideal solution for any expansive build that relies on integrating plans, designs, builds and phases of a project. That's why BIM is used to create ports and bridges. With a BIM solution, teams ensure a significant build is resilient to weather and other external matters before a single truck moves.

Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing

The MEP industry can access a suite of resources to design, estimate and implement mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems with accuracy and safety. BIMs minimize waste and risk. They promote better MEP fabrication. The 3D capability allows a visual platform for ensuring systems fit seamlessly into structures.

Architecture

The BIM solution gives architects creative freedom and supports the entire architectural performance. With BIM, architects manage model fidelity at every step of the design process. That provides insight early in the process and greatly enhances the chances of meeting client and governing requirements on the project.

Plant Design

With BIM, you can design intelligent piping and instrumentation diagrams for factories and other commercial structures. BIM can take into account water treatment, oil and gas, or food and beverage needs (through a BIM with the right features). You can use these features for disciplines to create any structure where occupants, production and safety are involved.

Structural Engineering

Structural engineers use BIM on the regular. BIM tools maximize the structure of buildings, ensuring they are safe, strong and resilient, as well as compliant. Engineers use BIMs to streamline production, connecting design to detailing. They reduce the possibility of error and improve the quality of a build before the project starts.

BIM vs. CAD

CAD functionality is technically integrated into BIM. CAD is extensively a platform for draft and design. But, unlike BIM, CAD isn't an efficient solution for the build process and components like manufacturer info, weight, budget, compatibility as well as ensuring designs stay in compliance.

CAD being no more than shapes and lines, BIM uses a broad range of dimensions for building information.

BIM Dimensions

• 2D - Draft X,Y planes

• 3D - Draft X,Y,Z planes

• 4D - 3D and project scheduling

• 5D - 4D and cost management

• 6D - 5D with lifetime maintenance planning

Developers are currently in the process of popularizing more dimensions, including 7D and 8D.

Other BIM Considerations

BIM software includes computer design, a la CAD solutions and functionality that are commonly used by the construction and architecture industries. Many BIM products come with tools and libraries targeted to the specifics of architecture and construction design. They include facilities for mechanical, electrical and plumbing modeling.

BIM goes far beyond construction drawings. BIM is the answer for building information modeling and management of structures and their infrastructures.

What to Know About BIM Software

Prior to BIM, structure design was dependent solely on 2D drawings and blueprints. These drawings were passed back and forth between various departments and professionals for accuracy, compliance and appearance. And continuously redrawn to show the newest phases in design and planning.

BIM tools give these same professionals and departments the opportunity to create and manage digital representations of this same functionality. Only BIM easily incorporates all party designs, characteristics and functions of the build into a single platform. Updates and changes can be applied and distributed to needed parties in no time at all.

BIM software offers light analysis, spatial relationships, geographic detail and more. The process breaks down actual building parts, putting them in place so that you can see how all the pieces fit in a single structure. This includes columns, walls, doors, windows, staircases and more.

Data can be networked, extracted and exchanged to various parties for decision making. And it can be done quickly and be available in no time. In other words, a user can take the information and look for elemental behavior before building begins, adjust plans accordingly and get approvals faster.

Users have great flexibility in BIMs. They can perform specific actions as necessary, such as auto selecting and ordering materials. They can perform cost estimates on said materials with this info going right up the chain.

With data in BIM tools, there is the function to extract varying and consistent views of a building model. With BIM, you:

• Improve productivity and effectiveness in the creation of 2D and 3D drawings and models

• Easily edit designs

• Enhance precision, accuracy and control in design and drafting

• Streamline collaboration and communication with clients and between designers

• Manage and avoid conflicts to reduce workloads

• Foresee predictable outcomes

How to Select the Right BIM Software

Selecting the right BIM software can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you choose the best option for your needs:

1. Identify Your Project Needs: The very first step in selecting a BIM software is to define your project’s needs, taking into account its size, complexity, and budget. Knowing what you need from the software will help narrow down your choices.
2. Research Available Solutions: Once you've identified your project's needs, it's time to start researching available software solutions. Look at reviews from unbiased third parties and read user testimonials to get an idea of each solution's features and capabilities.
3. Compare Prices & Licensing Models: With more than a dozen different types of BIM software on the market today, prices can vary greatly between them so make sure you compare their pricing models carefully before making any decisions. In addition, be aware of whether or not they offer a one-time purchase or subscription model and if there are any additional licensing fees involved with that option.
4. Test Out A Demo Version Of The Software: Once you have narrowed your list down to two or three potential options, request a demo version and test them out yourself before making a final decision. A hands-on trial is the best way to accurately evaluate how well the software suits your project's needs as well as how easy it is for team members to use it effectively on a daily basis.
5. Get Advice From Experienced Professionals: Finally, don't hesitate to seek out advice from professionals who have already gone through the process of selecting BIM software. They can provide valuable insight into which solutions work best and why.

By following these steps, you should be able to find the right BIM software solution for your project needs. You can also utilize the tools given on this page to examine BIM software in terms of price, features, integrations, user reviews, and more.

Importance of BIM

Operating off a single platform, members of a build can access and edit data in a common, flexible system using familiar and specific interfaces. BIM creates one multi-purpose and collaborative database.

BIM improves project workflow and team communication and collaboration. Unique professionals will access what they need in formats they need without duplicating or separating data. This is a collective storage facility where edits are made in a specific format and propagated throughout the system. This gives everyone the latest processes and removes the risk of prolonging the release of updated drafts as plans are adjusted.

BIM means greater iteration during the design phase. The amount of time required to produce and implement coordinated plans is reduced. Cross-checking files and documentation becomes an easier and more collaborative process. This leads to better oversight and fewer errors. BIM ultimately delivers visibility on all fronts.

Architects, structural engineers and team supervisors can use BIM to experiment with materials, pushing limits of design without risk to physical construction or even hindering the process unnecessarily. BIM delivers on creativity and freedom.

BIM is the tool of the future for building. The technology will move forward and specifications might evolve, but this single-source storage database has and will continue to change the game.