In This Chapter

Eyeing the different tools available

Identifying the right tools for you

The number of different BIM software and tools on the market today can be bamboozling. We can describe BIM tools as task-specific applications that produce specific outcomes. For example, tools are available for drawing production, specification writing, cost estimation, model checking, viewing, and scheduling. Some tools can undertake a variety of tasks; for example, some construction management tools can carry out scheduling, 4D scheduling, and model checking, and other tools may just focus on a specific task.

You can’t buy BIM in a box (as we discuss in Chapter 7) because it’s a process that’s enabled by technology. No one piece of software is likely to fill all your requirements; however, in this chapter we list ten different types of BIM tools that you may want to consider when embarking on your BIM journey.

BIM Authoring Tools/Platform

BIM authoring tools (or BIM platforms, as they’re sometimes called) are usually used in the design for generating data for multiple uses. Although generic authoring tools exist that cover the basics of architecture — structural and MEP, for example — some tools are specific to a discipline. Parametric authoring tools use a combination of graphics and information to allow a design to develop from concept to construction documentation. Vendors such as Autodesk, Graphisoft, Bentley, and Tekla are the main players in this sector. Each piece of software works in a similar way, but all have their own idiosyncrasies.

Some authoring tools focus on feasibly and preliminary design and may not offer interoperability capability, such as the import and export of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) information.

BIM Analysis Tools

With the project team creating all this digital data and information with BIM, its real value is in how you make sense of it and understand what it means or is telling you. BIM analysis tools enable you to perform a variety of analyses in the design and development of an asset. You may require different types of analysis at different times during the lifecycle.

At an early stage an energy model gives you answers to issues around orientation, form, and occupancy levels, and aids in calculating the asset’s energy requirements. Other analysis aspects may include things such as thermal performance, lighting levels, wind flow, and pedestrian flow. Even though some analysis tools are standalone versions, some are add-ons or plugin modules for other pieces of software.

Specification Tools

Not all information is modeled graphically. Within the coordinated data environment there will be graphical information, nongraphical information, and associated documentation. Specification tools play an important part in the nongraphical information, which evolves over the project timeline. In Chapter 10, we discuss some instances where it’s more appropriate to use the written word because it can take you to a deeper level of information.

More sophisticated specification tools allow the project team to coordinate the specification and the design model by using plugins. A plugin (or add-on) is a software component that adds a specific feature to leading BIM authoring tools. Some specification tools also allow the project team to publish information in a variety of different views, reports, and file formats, such as XML, for data schemas like COBie.

File-Sharing and Collaboration Tools

Think of file-sharing and collaboration tools as the common data environment (CDE) (as we discuss in Chapter 4) that provides document management. These tools are at the heart of the BIM environment. Many of these applications run in the cloud and as platform as a service (PaaS), which we discuss in Chapter 7. They allow you to work from your desktop, the Internet, or from a mobile device.

The project team shares all types of information via these tools, including contracts, schedules, specifications, reports, and model information. They vary in sophistication and functionality, from simple uploading and downloading of information with audit trial capability for record keeping and access-security control, to inbuilt model viewers and instant messenger systems.

Construction Management Tools

Construction management tools allow you to take an overview or holistic review of model information. Historically, there was a disconnect between CAD and project management software, with CAD software concentrating on geometrical graphical information and project management software focusing on scheduling but with no integration between the two. However, the line between the abilities of the two is becoming blurred. By integrating the 3D model with popular project schedule applications, you get a 4D model showing construction sequencing, simulations, and scheduling capabilities.

As Chapter 17 discusses, the ability to see the construction sequence and plan for on-site clash detection can be extremely beneficial when it comes to health and safety and the prevention of accidents and injury.

Model Viewers and Checkers

Although some collaboration and construction management tools have inbuilt model viewers, a number of dedicated model viewers are available and a large proportion are free. These usually allow functionality such as combining and viewing models. Model viewers use open data standards such as IFC, which we discuss in Chapter 11; however, some software runs from property file formats.

Premium paid-for versions offer the capability of the viewing tools but have added functionally such as model checking for clash-detection purposes based on rule-based checking for compliance and validation of all objects in the model.

The BIM Task Group lists some free model-viewing software. Check out www.bimtaskgroup.org/free-bim-vewing-tools.

Quantity Takeoff and Estimating Tools

A number of approaches to BIM-based quantity takeoff and estimating exist. Although many BIM authoring platforms can perform an automated quantification of items, areas, surfaces, and volumes of the asset and export this information to a spreadsheet format, they don’t produce a cost estimate. Tools used for quantity takeoff and estimating usually link to BIM authoring tools via plug-ins or embedded BIM information from a BIM authoring tool into a quantity takeoff tool to automatically extract information and necessary quantities from 3D geometric data.

Three-dimensional objects within a model contain geometric information, such as volumes and areas, which can be analyzed. Usually, quantity takeoff updates automatically when the project team updates the base model information. This information then informs cost estimation. It’s important to remember that an accurate quantity takeoff requires an accurately built design model in the first place.

Shop Drawing and Fabrication Tools

As you discover in Chapter 10, the level of detail and level of information within BIM objects are usually just enough to imply a product rather than manufacture it. In order to take that information through to shop drawings and fabrication, you need an additional level of information. The project team can transfer information from BIM authoring tools into fabrication software where additional detailing can commence.

Facility Management

Computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) can comprise a number of technologies and may combine CAD systems and relational database software focused on facilities management as well as interfacing with other systems — for example, with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

Similar to file-sharing and collaboration tools, CAFM tools are usually web based. Data is stored, retrieved, and analyzed from a single source. The project team can transfer information from BIM authoring tools into a CAFM system where facility managers can add additional asset data.

Administration Tools

Don’t overlook the humble portable document format (PDF), spreadsheets, and word-processing tools. Although most computers come supplied with a basic suite of office applications, they may have limited functionality. If you use a tablet or smartphone while on the move, you may want to consider premium over free read-only versions of office tools, which allow for editing, commenting, and saving.