BIM in Project Development and High-Quality Models and Designs - Article Example

Reflective Portfolio Name Institution Reflective Portfolio Introduction Building and construction is such an essential sector that utilizes the modified techniques and methodologies in coming up with most advanced structures. It is worth noting that most companies, in the current millennium, in the engineering, architecture as well as the construction industry have developed a big interest in the building information modeling (BIM). This has been seen as the most available path of achieving a sustainable project that seems quite economic. Under BIM, outstanding activities entail the entire planning, scheduling and organizing the projects in either 4D or 5D, in which the 3D model is attached to the time execution. However, many applications are narrowed down to modeling, which is an undertaking that might call for such software like the ArchiCAD and AutoCAD. This creates the ultimate platform of integrating as well as building the site under a single model thereby eliminating the possibility of isolation that seem quite inconveniencing. Reflection on Assignment One and Two In this portfolio reflection, the centre focus revolves around giving the explanation of the activities carried out in assignment one and reviewing the essential elements in assignment two. It is of essence to note that in assignment one, modeling was the prioritized activity where phase one and two of the entire construction took place. It must be recalled that the file Architectural_Model.nwc was opened and appended structural_Model.nwc. Checking the structural elements of the appended file was of great importance in deducing the issues and the errors encountered in the process. In addition, the preparation of the 4D animation was also part of the listed tasks under the assignment. Finally, an audit on the doors was deliberately carried out for the ultimate deduction of the possible errors and omissions that could have been encountered in the data. The progressive model clash that involved the doors and the windows called for the product model clash because of the relevance and effectiveness of this methodology. The choice of the methodology mentioned above is accompanied by the fact that the technique inspects three major sections, which entail the structure, traceability and the architecture style. The efficiency of this methodology led to the findings that settled on the compatibility problem. The data obtained on the measurements of the model and the design measurements showed a slight parity that seem to create problems in the near future especially when it comes to tolerance and fixation of the hinges. However, care must be taken during the design as well as modeling of the structure with an intension of eliminating future erroneous scenario that can hamper other intended progressive processes. Further provision of the Microsoft project schedule enabled the preparation of the 4D animation of the entire construction. Utilization of the Mograph technique settles on the CINEMA 4D, which loads the 3D model on a cloner object. This is further boosted by the step effectors, which facilitates the transitions bringing the final phase in the form of an animation of the preliminary object. The method utilized in this case for the absolute provision of the 4D animation is accompanied by the entire capability of converting the normal objects into 4D form. It, therefore, follows that the same can be applied with the models such that the primary intension of producing the animation can be achieved. Furthermore, accessibility of the projectors is pragmatically certain thereby facilitating the whole process with the help of the Microsoft. The final process on assignment one avails information on data omissions as well as errors that can be deduced through a rigorous audit. In this case, few errors were pointed out, in which a large percentage of them revolved around the entire compatibility as well as omissions made on the measurements related to positioning of the hinges, both on the doors and some of the windows. The absolute report commends on the care that must be taken when taking the measurements that are to be taken during designing and modeling. It is worth noting that assignment two avails the report on the above discussed information thereby availing a repetition of the already explained sections. Further reflection reveals the methods, a review of all the processes, the 3D views, the pan view, the costs, the challenges as well as the benefits of making use of building information modeling. BIM Tools and Interoperability The Autodesk has the Revit meant for building and modeling as well as the Civil 3D meant for the site modeling. It must be noted that the Revit architecture design and building software was significantly built for building information and modeling (BIM). This has enabled both designers and architects to develop most fascinating designs thereby availing the highly standardized coordinated construction documentation. In addition, the facilitation of the Civil 3D forms part of BIM solution for the engineering design as well as documentation. This widens the entire field of modeling depicting the effectiveness of BIM once inculcated in design and modeling. However, the introduction of ArchiCAD creates a new design platform for architectures1. For interoperability, it can be exhibited that the BIM tools and the site model substantially supports the CAD format thereby enabling easy importation and exportation of the models from one software to another. This increases the possibility of integrating other software for the better performance of the model. Feasible Method: Autodesk Revit Architecture This is the design software that has been incorporated in coming up with design both for phase one and two. From the Autodesk description, it states that “Autodesk Revit Architecture is design software that helps architects and designers to capture and analyze early concepts, and then better maintain designs through documentation and construction”2. The software further avails tools that enables architects and other interested designers to add relevant information into the model. Site conditions can as well be achieved by making use of the modeling and parametric design tools availed by this software. The simplification of the entire process r5educes the unnecessary costs that might arise due to utilization of various software products. The appreciation and the incorporation of the above mentioned technique is accompanied by the explicit functionalities that facilitate the conceptual design. It can split and merge surface as well, draw the property lines, enabling creation of building pad and other components like the parking lot. Mostly, the 3D building models created by the Revit Architecture can be imported through a link thereby achieving a final site-linked 3D model. This can be seen in the files created under assignment one. However, the software cannot be absolutely entrusted for every performance. This is because of its inefficiency in locating the underground utilities thereby displaying a limitation on the menu of the Revit Architecture. Despite such limitations, the output of the software can is shown below for both phases. Time and Costs Interest and the intension of developing the best design should not only be limited to the perfectionism but rather consider the time as well as the costs. For the development of structural model considered in this particular case led to deduction of various costs that are supposed to be met in meeting the final goal. The following excel document avails the information related to the time and costs encountered in as demanded by the building information and modeling. From the table, it can be seen that the material, equipment and labor indicate zero readings on their costs. This should not be placed into consideration because the whole task entails development of a prototype simulation. The small image on the right hand side shows the final project that consumes the parameters tabled above. This is meant to develop a direct relation between the costs and the final building once completed. Using BIM for Design Coordination Inculcating BIM in design helps in developing multi-dimensional information related to the whole process of using the software in generating the design as well as the final model depicting the final structure3. It must be noted that the model under consideration entailed two significant phases as shown before. Both phases are significant such that they create an allowance for a later construction when need arises. This calls for establishment of three essential levels, that is, level 0, level 1 and level 2. Level 0 and level 1 are the levels that build up the first phase of the construction. On the hand, level 2 facilitates the final phase of the construction. Phase One This phase entails construction of the ground and first floor thereby selecting on level 0 and 1. Preliminary steps in design entail activation of the software and selecting on the 2D command availed by the Revit Architecture. The command defines the (x, y) dimensional coordinates hence effective in generating the planner view by strictly concentrating on the exact measurements. This helps in reducing the errors during the entire process thereby limiting on the cumulative inefficiency of the final model. The diagram below shows the drawing of level 0 and level 1. The conclusive step entails generating the top surface. This entails the conversion of the 2D into 3D, which includes the ‘Z’ dimension that determines the elevation. However, this is not indicated but the command on the Revit Architecture does the conversion and subsequent coloring. The ultimate selection of 3D-Revit Architecture avails the top surface tab, therefore clicking on it enables selection of the corresponding lines that are to be displayed, that is, C-TOPO-MINR. The command will lead to a 3D view thereby achieving the final goal of phase one as shown below. Phase Two This phase entails level 2 that claims developing a roof on the second floor. This demands creation of a link of the previous 3D model, which can be named Assignment 1_Structural_Model.rvt. Exploring the Google earth picture enables linking the model to the Revit screen. This facilitates further modification that will enable the creation of the roof. The preliminary plan for level 2 is as shown below, meant for developing the roof. Accessing the link displays the previous model. Further commands on the Revit Architecture enable extraction of the skeleton. This simplifies the process of roofing the second floor without mounting the walls. However, designing should be paid attention to at this stage for the ultimate requirement of leaving out the allowances for windows and door fixation, which is a process comprised of exact positioning of the doors with their effectively approximated measurements. The diagram below shows the skeleton of the roofed second floor followed by the table showing various measurements at every level. Final procedure of reaching the completion of the second phase requires the extrusion of the walls leaving the window and door spaces. The Revit Architecture facilitates the coloring command and the designer should carefully choose on the colors that match with the primary intention of avoiding color clashing. However, one should not stick on one command to provide various instructions but rather make use of combination of commands to arrive at the best model that has ever been achieved. The diagram below shows the final model of phase two. QA Processes for Controlling Errors Omissions and Redundancy of Information within A BIM QA is the short form of quality assurance, which can be defined as the planned system that is staged with an intension of reviewing the procedures and data collected outside and inside the inventory compilation. Processes involved in QA revolve around the expert review of the entire data computation as well as audits meant to assess the quality of the inventory or the model in this case. However, under modeling and design, quality assurance is of significance for the ultimate purpose of reaching the expected accuracy of the model. The outstanding QA processes deployed in the entire design involve data management and monitoring meant to reduce data redundancy, omissions as well as possible errors. This can be achieved through the ultimate review of the electronic spreadsheet accompanied with rigorous monitoring of the data management system. Such monitoring activities are of significance due to the required reliability of making frequent reference and data comparison that will reach the absolute deduction of any possible omissions or redundancy. However, it is advisable hiring an expert who can be able to carry out frequent reviews and confirming on the reliability of data. Benefits Making use of Revit Architecture is accompanied with various benefits. Preliminarily, the platform avails grounds for a recommendable visualization and documentation. The BIM software incorporates the AutoCAD thereby providing quality compared with the old fashions. Further provisions of Google Earth enable easy export and inculcation of numerous software applications that can help to reach the best model. In addition, the BIM enables both single as well as integrated information source. This supports team as the project can be shared among many users following an elimination of paper work4. Limitations With BIM, the site demands incorporation of various software platforms especially when it comes to creating site-linked building model. Such an undertaking exposes the data information thereby eliminating confidentiality of the entire model and design process. Another limitation entails high requirement of the available documented software knowledge. This goes alongside technological support and creation of software awareness, which makes it a tedious process before using the software. For example, the experience in AutoCAD, especially in creating 2D DWG, is not always straight forward. This means that one has to develop an interest in the software before managing every command. Conclusion Appreciating technology has become one of trending practices among many organizations. Currently, under building and construction, BIM creates the most advanced platform that enables designers to incorporate various software applications with an objective of developing high quality models and designs. BIM has its own limitations that revolve around the tedious process of understanding the software. Despite the limitation, BIM has an outstanding advantage of providing best visualizations among other benefits. It is therefore advisable to incorporate BIM in project development. Bibliography Autodesk. 2009. How Civil Engineers Use BIM to Make Sustainable Design The Only Design. Retrieved August 6, 2011, from http://www.datamat.com/products/software/civil/acadcivil3d/acadcivil3d_2011 /09aec136a_bim_engineers_fpo.pdf Azhar, S. 2011. Building Information Modeling (BIM): Trends, Benefits, Risks and Challenges for the AEC Industry. Leadership and Management in Engineering, 11(3), 241. Eastman, Charles M. 2011. BIM handbook a guide to building information modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers and contractors. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Smith, Dana K., and Michael Tardif. 2012. Building Information Modeling a Strategic Implementation Guide for Architects, Engineers, Constructors, and Real Estate Asset Managers. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. Read More

BIM Tools and Interoperability The Autodesk has the Revit meant for building and modeling as well as the Civil 3D meant for the site modeling. It must be noted that the Revit architecture design and building software was significantly built for building information and modeling (BIM). This has enabled both designers and architects to develop most fascinating designs thereby availing the highly standardized coordinated construction documentation. In addition, the facilitation of the Civil 3D forms part of BIM solution for the engineering design as well as documentation.

This widens the entire field of modeling depicting the effectiveness of BIM once inculcated in design and modeling. However, the introduction of ArchiCAD creates a new design platform for architectures1. For interoperability, it can be exhibited that the BIM tools and the site model substantially supports the CAD format thereby enabling easy importation and exportation of the models from one software to another. This increases the possibility of integrating other software for the better performance of the model.

Feasible Method: Autodesk Revit Architecture This is the design software that has been incorporated in coming up with design both for phase one and two. From the Autodesk description, it states that “Autodesk Revit Architecture is design software that helps architects and designers to capture and analyze early concepts, and then better maintain designs through documentation and construction”2. The software further avails tools that enables architects and other interested designers to add relevant information into the model.

Site conditions can as well be achieved by making use of the modeling and parametric design tools availed by this software. The simplification of the entire process r5educes the unnecessary costs that might arise due to utilization of various software products. The appreciation and the incorporation of the above mentioned technique is accompanied by the explicit functionalities that facilitate the conceptual design. It can split and merge surface as well, draw the property lines, enabling creation of building pad and other components like the parking lot.

Mostly, the 3D building models created by the Revit Architecture can be imported through a link thereby achieving a final site-linked 3D model. This can be seen in the files created under assignment one. However, the software cannot be absolutely entrusted for every performance. This is because of its inefficiency in locating the underground utilities thereby displaying a limitation on the menu of the Revit Architecture. Despite such limitations, the output of the software can is shown below for both phases.

Time and Costs Interest and the intension of developing the best design should not only be limited to the perfectionism but rather consider the time as well as the costs. For the development of structural model considered in this particular case led to deduction of various costs that are supposed to be met in meeting the final goal. The following excel document avails the information related to the time and costs encountered in as demanded by the building information and modeling. From the table, it can be seen that the material, equipment and labor indicate zero readings on their costs.

This should not be placed into consideration because the whole task entails development of a prototype simulation. The small image on the right hand side shows the final project that consumes the parameters tabled above. This is meant to develop a direct relation between the costs and the final building once completed. Using BIM for Design Coordination Inculcating BIM in design helps in developing multi-dimensional information related to the whole process of using the software in generating the design as well as the final model depicting the final structure3.

It must be noted that the model under consideration entailed two significant phases as shown before. Both phases are significant such that they create an allowance for a later construction when need arises.

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