b'THE OFFICIAL NFBA MAGAZINEcontinued from page: 21Advantages of BIM multiple options and viewsis helpful.As designers create the building representation in BIM, allAn interesting feature that I impress upon my students in of the information for the various materials and elementsREVIT is the Walkthrough tool. This tool allows you to is cataloged and contained within the file. This highercreate a virtual movie where you walk through the finished level of detail contained has led to greater accuracy andstructure. Independent controls are given for the location certainty in the ordering of building products. Benefits ofof the viewer and the camera view, allowing views that using BIM include: sweep through rooms or highlight important features. The Walkthrough tool allows the designer to be a movie a.Reduced Time in Creating DesignsBy transferringdirector, creating a moving view of what it looks like to information as well as the drawing elements, architectstravel through the building. RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGYand designers can communicate their ideas more accurately to suppliers, engineers and other collaborators. f.Connecting Information to Other Tools (6D BIM)Through the information tracking abilities of BIM, b.Increased CollaborationBIM software has manythere are another host of possibilities to use the data opportunitiesfordifferentgroupsandtradestofrom the building design. One use of the data is collaborate. Drawings can be sent electronically forcalculating the life cycle analysis of the building (https://review and comment, with all comments logged andcarbonleadershipforum.org/introduction-to-lca/) . tracked. Also, REVIT and other programs containLife cycle analysis is an estimate of the environmental options for inserting MEP (mechanical-electrical- footprint of the building materials and systems that is plumbing) systems into the building which use theused in green building certification systems. Another designers drawings but limits the ability of MEPuse of the information extracted from BIM is to create a designers to modify non-MEP parts of the design.digital twin of the building (https://www.buildingsmart.Another advantage of increased collaboration are toolsorg/take-bim-processes-to-the-next-level-with-digital-related to detecting and eliminating interferences, ortwins/). This is really a virtual model of the building locations where different building systems overlap orthat can be used for planning building maintenance, clash. Detecting and eliminating clashes is often givenunderstanding building performance, or used to as one of the biggest cost-saving features of BIM. understand effects upon the building systems over time.c.Scheduling / Project Staging (4D BIM)Many BIM Disadvantages of BIMtools have features known as phasing, which can define different time periods in a project. For instance, usingThere is a host of possibilities for the use of BIM software. phasing, the same project file can host the originalHowever, it should be noted that there are challenges to drawings of the building, demolition plans, and newthe use and implementation of the advantages listed above. construction. Having all of these project phases availableFirst, many of the advantages describe an ideal scenario, allows designers to create drawings and sheets forwhere all members of the building team are using the different construction phases of the project withoutsame software and methods. This may require suppliers losing any fidelity or measurements. and subcontractors to be familiar with multiple programs d.Developing Accurate Cost Estimates (5D BIM) or systems. Second, there are costsboth the cost of Because BIM is able to track and determine the size /purchasing software as well as the cost and time of training number of components of a building, estimators can to using these tools. More complex programs will require produce an accurate value of building materials. Pairingmore advanced training. The limitations of time and cost BIM tools with current cost software programs can nowcan be significant, especially for smaller firms. help designers formulate quicker building cost estimatesIs BIM Software Useful for Everyone?and accurately order the correct amounts of materials.e.VisualToolsAvailabletoUnderstandFinalThe purpose of BIM is to help in the design, documentation Construction - One of the challenges of the buildingand construction process of buildings. For more specialized industry is to accurately interpret customers needs andor complex buildings, the use of BIM can represent vision to create the building they want. Our written andsignificant cost savings. For simpler or more standardized oral language is often inadequate to completely capturebuildings, the use of BIM may be most helpful for the initial these thoughts, and use or lack of knowledge of jargondesign, but not necessary for every design. Design service specific to the industry can create confusion. Being ableproviders, who are subcontracted to create BIM designs to display what the building will look likeincludingfor standard models, may be cost-efficient options as well.continued on page: 2322 / FRAME BUILDER - VOL5 3'