b'YOUR TOOLKIT FOR BUILDING EXCELLENCEcontinued from page: 22BIM Software Customized for Post-Frame BuildingsBIMsoftwarehasbeen expanding in the last few years,andmostNFBA members who peruse the ExhibitionHallatthe Frame Building Expo will noteagrowingnumber of companies in this area. Traditionally, BIM has been dominatedbyAutocad REVIT.Thisisthemost commonBIMsoftware intheconstructionarea. However, REVIT is moreFigure 2. Example of Modeling Environment for SmartBuildof a generalized BIM package that must accommodate a large number of different types of construction. As a professor, most of my BIM experience has been with REVIT as well. However, REVIT has some interesting ideas about wood construction that continue to confound. For example, REVIT is unable to do is to create an accurate wall section with stud cavities, which would be considered overlapping materials by the program. REVIT also has no specialization for post-frame systems and nomenclature. Anotherchallengeofworkingin REVIT is there is no natural stopping pointyou could keep adding details and features to a project forever. An important question to ask with BIM isFigure 3. Example of Outputs for SmartBuildHow Much Detail Do You Need To Accurately Communicate Building Plans?. In general, I found both of these programs to be easy to Other BIM programs specifically for post-frame buildings existuse and was able to create the models shown in Figures and two programs, Smartbuild and Construction Maestro,2 and 4 with relative ease. These programs both relied on are discussed below. I reached out to representatives fromnumerical inputs, drop-down menus or slider bars rather these companies to gain some insight into the how they createthan the drawing palletes shown in REVIT. Modifications post-frame structures. Both companies offer trial version ofof the buildings were easy to conduct and the focus on post-software. These products are tailored to post-frame designframe buildings (and use of correct terminology!) allowed for and focus on features and building types typical of post- accurate communication. Both programs were tied to supplier frame. Many of the color palettes are connected with differentproducts and color palletes, allowing accurate visuals to be manufacturers. Figures 2 and 3 are screenshots of the modelingcreated. Figures 3 and 5 also show the output screens for the environment and the outputs page from SmartBuild. Figurestwo programs, just to demonstrate the range of building plans 4 and 5 are screenshots of the modeling environment andand graphics that can be generated. outputs page from Construction Maestro. continued on page 24continued on page: 23 FRAME BUILDER - VOL5 3 / 23'