BIM is the most overused acronym in the design field at this moment, IMHO. Building Information Modeling, in full working theory, requires that there be engineering attributes to the objects shown. BIM is not NavisWorks - Navis is a 3D emulation viewer that projects 2D AutoCad and other drawing files as 3D to allow clash detection and a rotatable image of the input files. My experience with it has been mixed; we often find that Navis-detected clashes don't exist, but that Navis misses clashes that are found the hard way in the field. Revit offers a full parametric 3D environment, but there's no content out there except for empty skins, that show images of objects such as valves and fittings, but which still don't contain true BIM content. In theory, BIM software such as Revit should give us a platform in which we can calc' the system, list the materials, coordinate our piping with work of all other trades, maintain an archive of part numbers for service and repair, etc., etc. But that depth of content is likely years away so for now, BIM is just a short-hand way of saying "Clash detection effected by 3D software that may or may not result in accurate coordination by trades since it's the epitome of the GIGO model."
As for what value that may or may not add to the designer's job description I don't know, but to the designer who says that they don't field survey to check their work I say that we used to overlay our vellums with the sheet metal drawings on a light table or against a large sunny window. We'd mark everything up in pencil as required and then go back to the office and revise appropriately. It took less time, involved direct communication between stakeholders, didn't require a $9,000 software package that runs on a $4,000 computer, nor the involvement of a $175 per hour "consultant" to misread the results of the computer model. Unfortunately for my firm, 90% of our work is for architectural clients who are romanced by BIM, so we're stuck in the vortex. Terri likes to sing what we call the BIM Song - close your eyes and listen for the melody of Monty Python's famous SPAM to come into your head ... BIM, BIM, BIM, BIM, BIM, BIM, BIM, wonderful BIMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! Steve Leyton Protection Design & Consulting San Diego, CA -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Vince Sabolik Sent: Monday, May 24, 2010 8:18 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Salary > >Real BIM modeling goes WAAAAAY beyond just a 3D rendition of a building. Please elaborate on this. I think that I know what you're talking about. How would a Detail Level 5 effect a sprinkler plan? Vince Sabolik Christi Fire Protection, Inc. 11351 Pearl Road Strongsville, Ohio 44136 T 440 572-7730 F 440 572-7719 Email: <mailto:[email protected]>[email protected] _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 5141 (20100524) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 5141 (20100524) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
