The required reading this week is Article 7, BIM: Sharing Project Data Reduces Conflict, by William R. Zollinger, III. It was selected because of its close alignment with scheduling and non technical nature. For the technical aspect of BIM, read Article 5. Article 3 was the required reading last semester. It is not as technically up to date as the newer articles but has real world project examples. Article 4 also has references to an actual project but falls short to bring out the “profitable combination” part. If you wish to go one step further than 4D, to cost estimating, read Article 11.
Article 8 and 9 are similar in nature, as in connecting BIM with IPD and sustainability. The architects in this class may find them interesting. To gain a historical perspective on the subject, read Article 1 and 10, which happen to have the same author. They explain to a certain degree why BIM was developed as a technology. It is a solution to a problem traces far back in history.
Article 2 is an older version of a popular guide published by AGC. This PDF file is from the website of Nebraska Chapter of AGC. The introductory part is still valid for most part. To buy the latest version, visit http://store.agc.org/Construction-Delivery/Building-Information-Modeling-BIM/2928.
Article 6 is from a pioneer in the area of information modeling for construction. The article comments on the overall picture of information technology in construction.
- Integrating CAC, Estimating, Scheduling, and Accounting, Philip D. Larson, AACE International Transactions, 2001
- AGC Contractor's Guide to BIM, First Edition, 2006 (Second Edition is available from AGC)
- 4D Modeling: Adding a New Dimension to CPM Scheduling, Vidya C. Dixit, AACE International Transactions, 2007
- Scheduling, Estimating, and BIM: a Profitable Combination, Tamera Lee McCuen, AACE International Transactions, 2008
- The Quantification Process and Standards for BIM, Tamera L. McCuen, 2009 AACE International Transactions, BIM.01, AACE International, Morgantown, WV, 2009
- The impact of emerging information technology on project management for construction, Thomas M. Froese, Automation in Construction, 2010
- BIM: Sharing Project Data Reduces Conflict, William R. Zollinger, III, PE; David L. Sutton, PE; Gary Montler, PSP; Mark M. Seifried, PE, 2010 AACE International Transactions, BIM.03, AACE International, Morgantown, WV, 2010
- 4D/5D BIM, JOC, IPD -- Why the AEC Industry Must Change, Peter Nicholas Cholakis, 2011 AACE International Transactions, PM.472, AACE International, Morgantown, WV, 2011
- BIM, Sustainable Construction and Integrated Approaches to Project Delivery, Tamera L. McCuen, 2011 AACE International Transactions, BIM.731, AACE International, Morgantown, WV, 2011
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) -- Designing a Comprehensive and Interpretive Database, Philip D. Larson, FRICS CCE CEP PSP, 2011 AACE International Transactions, BIM.751, AACE International, Morgantown, WV, 2011
- The Fifth Dimension of BIM -- Cost Estimating, Jignesh S. Shah, MRICS CCE, 2011 AACE International Transactions, BIM.760, AACE International, Morgantown, WV, 2011
Part 1
ReplyDeleteBIM: Sharing Project Data Reduces Conflict by William R. Zollinger, III, PE, David L. Sutton, PE, Gary Montler, PSP, and Mark M. Seifried, PE definitely covers a lot of information. Right off the bat in the introduction they state a recent survey stated that 50% of the AEC industry is now using BIM. I really find this hard to believe. If this is true these software companies have done a great marketing job! In recent firms I have worked in none used BIM and were only starting to turn towards it because of the recession and hope of finding work. Government work was in some cases the only work out there which requires BIM. This seemed to be the main driving point in moving towards this software quickly instead of slowly. An article I read in Architectural Record in late 2008/early 2009 stated that about 10% of firms in the United States were using BIM and the suggested that this might grow to 15%-20% in a few years.
I do understand the majority of reasons for switching to BIM. The ability to commit to the same goal as a team, work together, communicate are all very similar goals to IAP and the team concept discussed in recent weeks. Having the ability to generate schedules, (i.e. door, finish, hardware and CPM) because of the rich data and the ability to calculate quantities and associated costs and work completed is somewhat mind boggling. The figures 1-9 presented in the article make a pretty good case for showing an layperson or unskilled workers what is completed, what is not, what is behind etc. without knowing much about the software or perhaps building in general.
I also agree that BIM is a major transformation and could or most likely will be a game changer. Being able to pick times of the year and locations to figure out how much heating and cooling is required for the building and then adjusting this by increasing the solar heat gain coefficient and U-value of glazing and the tint of the glass, adjust the exterior wall material, and rotation of the building etc. is really quite amazing. The inclusion of rich data is definitely impressive unlike older 3D model software (RIP Form-Z and 3D Viz?) that did not have this ability. BIM seems much more complex than AutoCAD and that took me years to get really good at. I still say I probably only use about 30% of that software’s ability based on what I was doing in offices.
How can the industry transform so quickly when it probably will take even longer to get good in this environment of 3D, 4D and 5D? If anyone says they can learn this in a day or a week, assume they are lying. An issue I have is how upper management will adjust fees and time allocation for projects based on a misguided belief that things can always get done quicker because all of this information can be obtained in BIM, ignoring the amount of hours it takes to get to that point where all these items are presentable. From my observations, most upper management does not understand the intricacies of AutoCAD software because they are not using it regularly let alone the intricacies of BIM. That is a concern of mine. The youngest individuals will know most about this software, who possess the least knowledge about building construction, yet this software seems to open up more liability concerns because of all the capabilities it offers. (See web links 1 and 2. below if interested.
1. http://archrecord.construction.com/news/2011/05/110519-BIM-Lawsuit-2.asp
2. http://www.architectmagazine.com/BIM/reeds-acquisition-of-tectonic-could-accelerate-bi.aspx
Part 2
ReplyDeleteI was able to download a student version of Revit Architecture 2010 and go through a 300 page tutorial and was surprised at how different it was from 2D AutoCAD. There is definitely a major learning curve. One upper management individual in a Raleigh architectural firm that I applied to last year told me that they were only hiring individuals who possessed office experience using Revit. She told me that paying for and taking courses at a community college or ITT would not get me hired. Bottom line was office experience is a must until the economy returns to normal, if and when that ever occurs.
On page BIM.03.5 and .06, the author’s argue inefficiency, wastefulness, and understanding the difference between dispute resolution and dispute avoidance are obstacles facing the construction industry. However if they are suggesting BIM, can act as a Rosetta Stone, that has the potential to resolve all disputes in the construction industry, I do not believe that. There are far too many personalities involved and what would lawyers do if there were no disputes and lawsuits?
My understanding of AutoCAD Revit Architecture, prior to reading this article, was that this would be integrated with Revit plumbing mechanical, and electrical. However this article mentioned AutoDesk Navisworks that identifies and resolves issues, clash detection that again sounds impressive and very beneficial. The days of light tables are over. I do agree that change orders can be minimized by this software or software’s. My concern, or question, is during a recession when many architecture firms are struggling to stay afloat who necessarily has the money to invest in Revit and Navisworks when a single license of AutoCAD can cost between 3k -5k and three licenses might cost around 10k that requires upgrades every 2-3 years. Does the purchase of Revit include Navisworks and how much time will staff spend learning the ins and outs of the software versus completing the project on 2D AutoCAD? Plus, will new computers need to be purchased with 4-8 gigs of RAM and quad core (or i5 or i7 series processors) computers to make these memory intensive programs function quickly? Civil 3D AutoCAD 2012 was 3.3 gigabytes when I downloaded the student version and I am pretty sure that was compressed. With so many firms submitting RFPs for any and all projects, getting short listed, and still having the odds stacked against you in being awarded the project an investment in BIM is a hard decision. As the authors stated, “Change is cumbersome” and I think also expensive. I am not sure if Revit has actually flourished more or less during this recession? Will BIM (Revit)reduce inefficiency and wastefulness, remove individuals or companies from the industry who were inept and/or will it benefit large firms who can afford all of this and succeed in the future while the little guy falls by the way side? Is this Social Darwinism?
DS
Part 1
ReplyDeleteThe Fifth Dimension of BIM – Cost Estimating by Jignesh S. Shah, MRICS CCE provides good insight into this new dimension. Shah’s definition of ‘BIM is the process of designing, analyzing, integrating and documenting a building’s life cycle, by developing an intelligent virtual prototype of the building using a database of information.’ This seems to imply that they are using the BIM for operations and maintenance (O&M) costs as well when he uses ‘buildings life cycle’?
I agree that “5D BIM say’s a million words” but the challenge lies in understanding how all this software works. On page BIM.760.4 Shah describes Solibri Model Checker (SMC), COMIS, Energy Plus, BS Pro, PE Win, and Art-Lantis. Good heavens! Maybe we do not need architecture or engineering programs anymore but 4 year programs focused exclusively on intensive learning of computer software applications. Does anyone have experience with some or all these programs? It seems like we are in a rapidly changing technological era similar to what individuals might have felt at the advent of the industrial revolution.
I have heard of Revit, Bentley BIM and ArchiCAD which are BIM authoring software but have never met anyone versed in all three let alone one. I wonder if the three companies will eventually be dwindled down to one like the Blu-ray vs. HD DVD fight of several years ago? Blu-ray obviously won. Shah makes a good case for the benefits of this software and 5D cost estimating software from Innovaya and AutoDesK QTO (these sound like analyzing software) but points out these estimates are not created by one click of the mouse button. There is a lot that goes into getting this software linked and able to transfer data before any major benefits come about from it. I was actually unclear on page BIM.760.7 if information is transferred to separate estimating software or is this integrated within the Autodesk Revit-QTO environment? Figure 3 helps a lot by showing the interface and seeing multiple screens but not with the question just prior to this. Has anyone heard of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) of the International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI)?
Are the two models discussed on page BIM.760.8 one being spatial model which is architectural and system models while material design model is structural, MEP? I wish this was worded differently for clarity sake. Below this are description of the architecture model and system model that I understand. This seems to be a young person’s area of expertise? This seems fairly intensive with manipulating the software. Interesting, system models are developed on a floor-to-floor basis to make quantity take-off, pricing, clash detection and constructability reviews easier. Again seems like a younger person’s area of expertise?
Shah’s discusses advantages and challenges (disadvantages) on BIM.760.9 offers up a lot to think about and does not sugarcoat the many challenges of 5D BIM cost estimating. Standards need to be developed or improved, not all trades are up to speed and time converting to this is length are definite issues that need to be addressed. Without these standards you may have people passing themselves off as Revit experts?
Part 2
ReplyDeleteWhen I read constructability review on page BIM.760.10 I thought about the legal issues a contractor may encounter using a 3D model provided by an architect versus a hard copy of CDs when creating a cost estimate. If they miss something off the hard copy they could point the finger at the architect and say he/she forgot it but if they are using the model and its there but they do not know how to navigate it properly it becomes their fault? I realize no one should be pointing the finger at anyone if they are using IAP, the team concept and are openly communicating with one another.
Figure 5 is a good example of clash detection but I am surprised an experienced architect who is working with plumbing engineers would miss this if coordination was occurring under the traditional way. I do get his point though; catching this beforehand saves time, money, and embarrassment. I am assuming the 4D scheduling software is intelligent and can determine logic sequences and finish start from the rich data embedded in the model?
Figures 4,5,6, & 7 seems to answer my question from the required article, that AutoDesk Navisworks is used for simulation and bringing all the pieces together to get clash detection and other items to work. I wonder what old school estimators feel about all of this. Are they getting pushed aside for the young guns because you supposedly cannot teach an old dog, new tricks.
DS
Required reading: BIM: Sharing Project Data Reduces Conflict
ReplyDeleteThis article is focused on the benefits of BIM to a large scale construction project. There are many points that were discussed that would relate to many of the previous classes I have taken in my master’s program at ECU – Computers, Estimating to name two of them. However, later in the article, the benefits of BIM and its impact on the project’s schedule are introduced.
In Section 2, New BIM-Enabled Levels of Communication, the authors introduce the concept that BIM provides a higher level of communication which in turn serves to build trust and reduce conflict. Specific examples are provided of how BIM can be used by project controls to enhance the sharing of information and enhance the project will be completed on a successful schedule. This is further broken down to four specific areas.
A. Quantity Harvesting. The article points out that the quantities that are generated from the BIM exercise facilitate the schedule by serving as a basis for the accurate scope on which to base the planned resources and the productivity / production. This information combines to serve as the durations of the individual activities that comprise the overall project schedule.
B. Baseline Schedule Development with Resource and Productivity / Production Validation and Options for Visualization. The article states that the basis for any project includes the requirement of the establishment of the base line schedule which includes the resources for manpower, equipment, and materials. The properly developed BIM provides a neat and reliable base line that produces plans for daily activities. This reduction of ambiguity in the schedule increases the trust and reliability of the schedule
C. Clash Detection – Build Digitally First. In my opinion, this is probably the most valuable function of the BIM tool as it relates to the scheduling process. With the clash detection feature of BIM, everyone associated with the construction project will be alerted about potential scheduling conflicts that are generated due to construction clashes. By visualizing how the project is assembled and constructed, it will eliminated these potential clashes that inevitably always would result in scheduling delays for the project.
D. Schedule Update and Earned Value Validation, BIM models are an excellent tool to minimize, if not eliminate, and inaccurate progress reporting in the schedule. By introducing the graphical reporting of the earned quantity, the reports make it easier to identify the quantity and locatioin of the scopes of work that have been completed. Also, BIM tools are much quicker to adapting to changes in the construction of the project by including new options or changes and then recalibrating the timeline based on the new information.
In the end, I enjoyed the second half of the article as it related more to our discussions in the class. Although there is not much of a need for such a valuable tool in high-production home building operations, it is a fascinating tool to assist with the scheduling and maintenance of the schedule for much large scale individual projects.
Second Article: Integrating CAC, Estimating, Scheduling, and Accounting
ReplyDeleteThis article was written in 2001, which is prior to the widely acceptance of BIM as a applicable construction management tool. With this thought in mind, the ideas that are described were the basis for effective construction management practices at that time along with setting the stage for the development and implementation of BIM.
The author, who worked on the building of Bill Gates house in suburban Seattle, Washington, starts by identifying that most construction projects are split into two separate departments; scheduling and estimating – otherwise know in the high-production home building as the purchasing / estimating department. He describes several different scenarios of how these two departments are in constant flux in their efforts to work on projects.
The author identifies specific software programs that were utilized during the early 2000’s for estimating and for scheduling. These programs were independent of each other in most scenarios and then there were additional programs that were developed to integrate the programs so that they could communicate with each other.
2011 The Fifth Dimension of BIM—Cost Esitmating: This article gives a very comprehensive description of the emerging “fifth dimension” of BIM – Cost Estimating. It talks about 1D being program data (which should be the first and easiest component, and I don’t fully understand its meaning), 2D documentation, 3D Virtual Model, 4D the construction simulation, and 5D which is cost estimating. Of all the software being developed to improve production on construction projects, this is the most exciting to me in that it holds the prospect of a truly comprehensive tool in planning, costing, building, and verifying a given project. The challenge of this technology, due to its exhaustively comprehensive nature, is in getting all the data in an accurate, consistent, and current form. At least at present time, the software, training and use of it, is very expensive and not practical for smaller scale projects.
ReplyDeleteThe costing aspect is something which is extremely appealing to me as a general contractor and I look forward to the progression of this type of software. As an example of BIM, used very much under potential, I have a link to a home I drew in SoftPlan for a client and also the printout of costs/materials required for the same home as the program works off the shelf. Understand that the drawing is not truly comprehensive in the BIM world.
Link to 3D home in SoftPlan:
https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B4fhz_gyfP7gNGEzMTVmNDAtMTk5NS00YmQ3LTg4NjQtMmQ4OGIzNmZlMTRj&hl=en_US
Link to Material List w/o customized setup:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n9Jdmap2qjpJ2OOxijgb8KEm2spPyieNcSEAAbIjxpI/edit?hl=en_US
(Continued)
ReplyDeleteSoftPlan will export this list to Comma Delimited Format, Fixed Length ASCII, Buildsoft, Anasys, Quantum Leap, ISS, Timberline, Prosoft, HTML, Quickbooks, and a few others. I don’t even know what many of these are, let alone know what do with the list if I could import it. My point is, this program has the ability to do complete and accurate takeoffs (assuming my drawings are complete) which in theory can save me time. Always keep in mind, that if something is not drawn on the plan, it will NOT be in the estimate - driveway, landscaping, sewer taps, ect. However, being a one person show, the setup time is truly enormous with no guarantee that it will mesh with the estimating software I own. It is the problem of one thing leading to another, to another, to another, and if there are issues somewhere in the drawing or somewhere else down the line that are missed or not updated, I am relying on information which may be very wrong, but because the technology is so sexy, I will believe the error plagued results. This software has the ability to draw carpet, paint, interior trim, all the light fixtures & switches, ect. Truly everything in the home, if it is drawn, can be transferred to an item list. Aside from the fact that it’s easier to measure the square yards of carpet in a given area, than drawing it in SoftPlan and then transferring it to an item list, there are many other additional practical problems. As an example, for lumber material items, I need to get into the system and designate that a rafter length of 18’-7” requires that I buy a 20’ piece of lumber. And so on and so on. On top of this is the problem of all the different cost data base links which would need to be integrated. For example, I may have a framing order from three different vendors, a plumbing bid from two different subs, and flooring bids from several vendors. All of this is doable and I would love to have it in place, but it requires a huge time investment in another skill which I am not proficient in. Having said that, I have no doubt that BIM software will progress to a truly integrated system which will make itself close to idiot proof and more and more intuitive.
At this time I use it to double check material takeoffs that can be tricky – roof sheathing and shingle requirements of a large, complex roof; concrete totals for various foundations, slabs, and walls; sheetrock; ect. This is obviously not using the software to its best use but it seems to be using it to its most cost effective level for me.
Not mentioned in this article is the “sixth dimension” of BIM which deals with the life cycle management of a given project. This is also a very important component and should be considered as a cost component in the estimating process. I imagine that part of the problem with this, is the theoretical aspect of it. The client and other parties won’t know for sure what the life cycle costs are for the next twenty years, until twenty year in the future.
Part 1:
ReplyDeleteBIM, Sustainable Construction and Integrated: Approaches to Project Delivery by Tamera L. McCuen is another interesting article on emerging technologies. An issue that I have is with this article, in my opinion, makes it sound like sustainability and a concern for the environment are new ideas. They are not! To dismiss what has come before us is wrong and to assume every architect, designer, and contractor and sub-contractor was or is inefficient and wasteful is not necessarily true.
The author uses a quote by the World Commission on Environment and Development from 1987 that states ‘that which meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the future generations to meet their own needs.” Ok, so why are we only doing something about it 25 years later?
Concerns over environmental degradation go back decades if not centuries. From my recollection:
• the air in London and other parts of England were so heavily polluted during the Victorian age, 1880s, that smog was a common problem that they had to deal with.
• Frank Lloyd Wright integrated Falling Water at Bear Run, PA, circa 1930s and 1940s, into the environment rather well. This was called organic architecture.
• Rachel Carson who wrote Silent Spring discussed environmental degradation due to pesticides in 1962.
• Paolo Soleri in the 1970s designed and built ArcoSanti in Arizona. His concept of ‘Arcology’ is based on a symbiotic relation between architecture and ecology. This is taken from a website, “cities designed to maximize the interaction and accessibility associated with an urban environment; minimize the use of energy, raw materials and land, reducing waste and environmental pollution; and allow interaction with the surrounding natural environment.
(Retrieved October 15, 2011 from http://www.arcosanti.org/project/background/soleri/main.html)
• Population Bomb written by Paul and Anne Erhlich in 1968 discusses their idea and concern that mass starvation throughout the world will occur because of overpopulation. Let’s see 2011, 7 billion people and still growing on planet earth and a billion or more people are estimated to be living at or near the poverty line. Mike Davis’ 2006 book Planet of the Slums seems to only reinforce this unfortunate prediction after examining urban areas that contain large areas of slums. Look at how many poor individuals live in the USA. This past Sunday’s article in the News and Observer, Challenges loom as world population hits 7 billion, is a reminder of the population issue, many of us probably do not think about.
• Jimmy Carter in the late 1970s put photovoltaics on the White House roof which were only take down by Reagan administration. Damn politics.
• The birth of New Urbanism in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Part 2:
ReplyDelete• Renowned climate scientist James Hansen, over the decades and in recent years has said the planet is at a tipping point with the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. (Retrieved October 15, 2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Hansen)
• It is not that difficult to look at bizarre weather patterns occurring across the globe this year and think maybe humans are playing a significant role in changing these weather patterns by our activities and related carbon emissions.
• Reading a recent article Rolling Stone of all places called The End of Australia: Want to know what global warming has in store for us? Just go to Australia, where rivers are drying up. reefs are dying, and fires and floods are ravaging the continent, describes a scary situation playing out in many parts of this continent due to peoples unwillingness to admit anything is changing because it would drastically change their style of living (Goodell, Oct. 13, 2011, 54-61, 74-75).
I will commend BIM, sustainable construction, and integrated approaches to project delivery because they have a common goal which is to independently contribute to improving activities in how the US designs, builds, and operates facilities. Also understanding the link between the three should provide the industry with an opportunity to optimize business activities.
To play devils advocate:
Is it already too late to have a positive impact on the environment? Why is there more of an urgency now when many ideas have been floating around for a long time? Is the intent BIM, LEED, etc. truly altruistic? Are designers more concerned about obtaining LEED points than the overall synergy of the building? Maybe it has finally become fashionable to do this because money, not the health of the environment is the driving force. That is the heart of capitalism, right?
What is surprising is even though with what I have written above and the ambitious goals of BIM, sustainable construction, and integrated approaches to project delivery that there are some Republicans angling to shutter the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because this supposedly stifles job growth because of to many regulations and why should hazardous materials like toxic waste not be allowed to get dumped in rivers, streams or unlined pits. I can only imagine the catastrophe that would occur if the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and the clean air acts are repealed. (http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/, http://www.epa.gov/air/caa/).
It is very strange that these two ideas are simultaneously being debated in our nation.
I know I got off on a tangent, but thanks for reading.
DS
Bim: Sharing Project Data Reduces Conflicts, by Zollinger, Sutton, Montler and Seifried
ReplyDeleteThis paper discusses the ways that Building Information Modeling reduces conflicts in a construction project. It is a very well organized discussion. In the introduction a statement is made “A project’s ability to accurately harvest quantity, develop and validate production and productivity metrics, and to timely resolve clashes in an open, collaborative environment are instrumental to a successful outcome.” Within this statement is the an assumption the designers have been compensated for constructing a BIM model for these purposes. This is not always the case even though the owners and contractor wish to use the model for such purposes. I must continue reading the paper as though the design team has been compensated properly and this desire was known before the model was started.
In the Disputes and Conflicts portion of the paper the authors state “the project’s owners can optimize conditions to foster success by engaging the appropriate project delivery system”. I believe this to be true. If the project delivery method is Design/bid/Build, then a more intricate and detailed model must be prepared and reviewed before issuing to the successful contractor. Also the length of time required to produce the model will be longer. Would this model be used for bidding purposes? If so, this seems to me to provide more opportunity for conflict. Was the model correct or is the contractor misinterpreting the information?
If the delivery method is where the contractor or the CM is brought into the design very early then model may be more useful in providing a focus for the team to jointly develop. The contractor providing scheduling information and productivity rates to be included in the model. This delivery method should also provide more confidence between the team members in each other.
Within the project specifications for public project, a minimum of three products must be specified. One of them will be the Bass of Design (BOD). When submittals are submitted, which of the three is going to be used? By deviating from the BOD, every system that connects to that product must be reviewed again for coordination and clash detection. This process would, I believe, be a duplicating the design team efforts.
Also, within a BIM model is a vast number of individual products. Each contains specific information about that product. Who would be responsible for maintaining the model after the project is completed to ensure the facilities personnel can use it as intended? If this is the owner’s responsibility, their cost of maintenance have increased for the expertise to maintain the model.
I think this to be a very worthwhile read. I know I have written as though I dislike the idea of BIM and that is not the case. I am concerned that the model and the risks associated with its production are clearly allocated.
BIM: Sharing Project Data Reduces Conflict: This article promotes the survey results of Robert V. Buric’s research in 2005 which stated that sharing project information with stakeholders actually reduces claims. The authors carry this premise over to the use of BIM which is rich in project information and of a format which makes it possible for stakeholders to have a full view of all the project data, in a transparent environment. This sounds good in theory (so does Communism in theory) but I am not convinced this complete openness and sharing of all information among all stakeholders will prove to be a universally good thing. People will not work for the common good (in this case a successful project) for any sustained period, if there is not something which benefits or rewards their own superior performance.
ReplyDeleteThe estimating functions, clash detection, overall modeling, wealth of construction data and details, not to mention the future facilities management possibilities are all wonderful types of data which BIM makes possible to share. Only time will tell if it actually can reduce liability claims.
I agree with their basic premise that the sharing of information is good. The BIM environment appears to be a wonderful tool in communicating all the nuts and bolts, as well as the processes of a given project. This of course, assumes that all parties have access to the same software and all team members are fully trained. Working with a team of quality subcontractors who wish to cooperate with each other can be a beautiful thing, but BIM will not create that environment. It seems to me, it is just a great tool to use in that type of environment.
To harp on a somewhat tired theme, the author’s conclusion that it is unquestionable that the BIM process, and an altruistic sharing of information always has a positive effect on the job process, also ignores the cost benefit analysis. The statement may (or may not) be true, but at what cost, is a question that should be asked.
Response to Sharing Project Data Reduces Conflict:
ReplyDeleteUntil reading this article I have had no exposure to (BIM) so personal experience will be lacking. However the issue with the majority of construction projects when conflict arises has been the lack of transparent communication amongst various parties. The article made reference that 25-30% of construction jobs experience disputes. Does this percentage account for the 3 main industries or is it referring to a particular one such as industrial???? I would think that the percentage of experienced disputes would be higher.
Now in most cases certain jobs require certain amount of details. I would assume that this article is referring to the more complex industries such as industrial and commercial. Can anyone say whether or not this level of communication is used in the residential industry???? I was just thinking that if this elaborate level of communication is attempted how much time versus a more conventional means of communication is expended and in practical terms how often does it succeed????
Coming from a contractor background as opposed to being a from an engineering background communicating verbally between various parties of a project is complex enough due to the wide range of experience, educational, expertise level in the different areas of a project. I personally have worked for an engineering firm as a construction manager and trying to tell the engineers what we need in the terms as I knew them was difficult. BIM from what I have gathered wants to group several different software programs together to be able to communicate. Over the past three years has there been a universal program that delivers all the capabilities needed to resolves issues such as overlapping trade work? Ex. Piping, duct work, electrical etc. Based on my experience in-the-field changes all exist due to the lack of preciseness on drawings. Variances in drawings are always present so how can an interactive estimating systems work??? Again I don’t have an engineering background.
The argument that centrality and scalability is achieved with BIM based models. In doing so, changes to material characteristics change. Are there programs that figure load calculations based on material type, size etc???? In theory this sounds like a great idea but through my experience in the field I feel it’s a distant dream. Yes I would agree increased levels of communication would help any job but asking people to design estimate and build with the preciseness of a laser I find hard to obtain. Every different party in a construction project speaks a different languages how can a computer translate the data into a universal language????
Response to integrating CAC, Estimating, Scheduling and Accounting:
ReplyDeleteUpon reading this article I have gained the knowledge of the software such as WinEst. Before now I had no idea that this particular program had existed and had created an interface that directly collaborates with the scheduling software Primavera. In doing so I see how this could improve the communication between the scheduler and estimator but this is only a small piece of the puzzle. Having come from the more hands on side of construction rather than the technical side ask the question how does solving a problem by creating another one aid in communication? The more software programs used the more people, time and money that have to be spent. For the most part my lack of experience and background with WinEst doesn’t give me the credentials to state whether it will be productive. In theory I could see how it works but without the programs background it’s just a theory to me. Can anyone shed light on the software known WinEst???
Overall the BIM model is a new theory to me that I would like to be able to adopt into my arsenal of tools if it is more effective than other methods. Any Additional information on this particular software would be greatly appreciated. Anyone????
4D Modeling: Adding a New dimension to CPM Scheduling, by Vidya C. Dixit, CCE PSP
ReplyDeleteThis article is about connecting a BIM model and a CPM schedule. “The components of 4D is a 3d cad file, a construction schedule and a $D CAD interface”. The interface is a software program that will link the “Revit” file and the “Primavera P3” file to create a 4D BIM model. The fourth dimension is time. The #D cad file can be broken down by trades, systems, components, etc. so the production progress can be monitored or reviewed. Each stakeholder may not have the ability to mentally link the project schedule and the project documents. These interface programs provide that ability.
The advantage of this type of BIM model is it can be used to illustrate the construction over time. The structural frame can be constructed at the anticipated progress rate and verified against the actual production rate. This visualization capability offers the team the opportunity to review the schedule CPM and make adjustments if necessary. These adjustments can be made long before any construction has begun. The visualization offers the ability to review the construction logistics as well. This will produce a level of clash detection that will make real improvements on the site during the actual construction. Some of the clashes will not be detectable in the CPM under normal CPM review.
The author used the 4D modeling programs on Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles designed by Frank Gehry. This is an extremely fluid geometric design. There are very few right angles in the building. I have often wondered how in the world does Gehry get those designs constructed.
The 4D BIM can be a very effective tool for managing complex additions, such an addition to a hospital. Hosptials rarely shut down in order to complete an addition. This creates the need for many phases and an extremely complicated move management planning. The author uses the example of an ICU. Before an existing ICU can be demolished for a new use, a temporary ICU must be constructed on another floor and then the addition is completed with the new ICU. Having worked on a few hospital additions and renovations, this would have been very useful in describing the work flow to the client.
This is a educational article. I’m glad I read it.
David said, BIM: Sharing Project Data Reduces Conflicts
ReplyDeleteFees should be calculated on the liability associated with the work (what is the cost of construction ( Am I willing to assume that liability without fair compensation?) not how fast the work can be generated. This is the same for a construction company. The cost of the project will generate a certain level of risk/liability for the contractor. How much are they willing to assume for this fee?
For the short term, I believe BIM will increase the disputes and conflicts. Disputes and conflicts will diminish when a set of standards has been established. The establishment of the limits of liability for each party is going to take a while. The owners must also assume more risk if they are to use the BIM model as part of their maintenance programs. They will have to maintain the model over time. What will happen to the model when the building is sold to the next owner? Where does the liability for the GC and the designers stop? I can see a BIM model being a marketable item.
Butler said... Response to Sharing Project Data Reduces Conflict:
ReplyDeleteI believe the BIM model is an attempt to bring the clash detection process into the design office and opposed to the contractors office. I agree with you that field changes are going to always be a part of the building process. Owners and end uses are always going to change their minds or a new machine is needed, etc.
Gordon,
ReplyDeleteFrom articles I have read in Architectural Record, Gehry uses the equivalent of NASA modeling software and provides this to the contractor to understand how all those crazy steel shapes etc go together.
I actual still have the 10/1997 edition of Architectural Record that I am flipping through now and he used CATIA to analyze overall design for Guggenheim Bilbao. These photos are quite amazing, maybe that is why I decided not to switch majors back then, to bad I didn't though based on today's economy.
Arch Record had articles on the Walt Disney Concert Hall and some campus project in recent years where the software seemed out of this world. They spend a considerably amount of time writing about the software.
I have no idea, do MIT students learn this software only?
The link below is to an article called "Challenges and Benefits of 4D Modeling on the Walt Disney Concert Hall Project" and fits right in with this weeks topic.
It is from Stanford U. and actual has screen captured images of the modeling software.
Look it that, this software was around in the late 90s already!
http://cife.stanford.edu/sites/default/files
/WP064.pdf
DS
"A computer software program originally developed for the French aerospace industry, CATIA (Computer-Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application), facilitates the design of buildings with unusual geometries. It takes years off the time normally required to plot out curvilinear shapes such as Gehry’s. Similarly, lasers now guide the placement of girders and columns in complex structures. Nonetheless, the construction of buildings such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall still relies on the same skills ironworkers have been using for over a century: courage, collaboration, determination, dedication to safety while working under difficult conditions, and know-how. Even at this stage of our proficiency with technology in construction, people must still fabricate a building" (Excerpt from http://www.nbm.org/exhibitions-collections/exhibitions/symphony-in-steel.html)
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CATIA
DS