Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Chapter 4 - BIM Handbook



The use of BIM software helps all people involved in the design and operation of a building. It allows the engineers and architects to coordinate during design, and later in the construction phase, the contractors as well. As Kayleigh mentions in her blog post, Designers are able to coordinate in 3D for the first time during design phase. BIM also helps building owners in a multitude of ways that may not be obvious at first glance.  The owner’s wishes for their building are mainly to receive a working and safe building at a low cost. With BIM software the owner can see their building during the design phase and make changes, along with the engineers and architect, in order to get the final product that they wish for. BIM software also decreases the amount of time from concept to start-up because of the coordination among all involved parties.

Another tool of BIM software is the ability to perform energy analysis to lower energy consumption and costs. The building model, along with energy analysis software allows the owner and engineers to tweak the design aspects like insulation and window placement in order to decrease the amount of energy used in the building through heating, cooling and lighting. BIM software’s Daylighting and glare simulations allow designers to optimize light into the workspaces where employees or building users will achieve the most productivity.

A well-built model can be used during operation and maintenance phase in order to better facilitate the building staff’s upkeep of the building. Knowing exactly where a piece of equipment is, what it looks like and how to access it can save a lot of time and money on yearly maintenance cost. A BIM model’s “walk through” capabilities will also allow simulations such as fire exit scenarios to be assessed.

Of course all of these benefits are brought forth only if the owner is proactive enough to require BIM software. As Jeanine says in her blog, owners must know the capabilities of BIM software and must have representative that are informed in the use of a BIM model and software.

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