A Guide to BIM 3D Modeling Software
Interested in learning and understanding Building Information Modeling? You've come to the right place.
Building Information Modeling is a steel building erection tool that helps to deliver vast improvements and updated processes to construction businesses with a simple solution.
This building software technology is becoming more prevalent because of its efficiency, improved outcomes, and the ability to save on construction costs.
Below is your guide to understanding Building Information Modeling.
What is BIM?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a 3D model-based processing software. BIM uses three-dimensional software to efficiently and effectively design, detail, manufacture, and erect steel buildings.
The software compiles information for every aspect of a building and allows users to access it all within one tool in a digital database rather than separate documents − the BIM 3D Software. 
BIM looks at the entire life cycle of a steel building project, breaking down the 3D components (length, width, and height) as well as four more: time (4D), cost (5D), sustainability (6D), and facilities management (7D).
This modeling software allows engineers and contractors to create a virtual model of the steel building project before erecting in reality.
This digital model is a realistic digital representation of the steel building that allows for reduced conflicts, time, and money.
How?
Let's take a look.
Why Is BIM Used?
Using BIM allows the construction team to access information throughout the development, design, erection, and eventual demolition of a steel building.
BIM considers geometry, spatial relationships, geographical information, quantities and properties of building components to construct a conceptual model of the steel building.
Knowing this information can help to minimize mistakes and avoid potential roadblocks since every step is viewable via BIM.
BIM technology can help to resolve and avoid potential problems during the design phase of the project. The visual representation of the steel building enables designers to identify issues and roadblocks between structural, architectural, and MEP systems.
Identifying and modifying these issues early on in the design stage can save a lot of time and money during the erection stage of the process.
BIM is especially essential to use with projects that have strict budgets and limited timeframes.
Time can even be saved detecting issues with the structure of the building with clash detection. When clash detection is implemented with BIM, the problems in building parts will be highlighted on the computer model.
How Does BIM Improve the Construction Process?
BIM helps to improve the construction process in many ways.
The ability of BIM to hold all of the information about a project within one system makes it easier on contractors and architects to create models for each phase of erection. This part of architectural planning is both improved and made easier with the use of BIM.
The virtual models that are created by the BIM 3D Modeling software can have animations, coordination notes, and a predictable path to the hopeful outcome.
This allows for detailed notes to be included with the specific model for each stage of the project, and makes it easier for construction workers, architects, and every other person involved in the project to better understand what the next steps are and why.
BIM technology allows projects managers to zoom into the structural supports and look into how the plumbing and electrical work will fit into the design, while construction foreman can view the construction schedule for different floors or sections.
Many different teams can look at the digital models without disturbing the various elements of the project.
The BIM software accurately creates a virtual model of the steel building so orders for materials can be extremely accurate and at the end of the construction project, no materials will be wasted.
With a growing list of how BIM 3D Modeling software improves the construction process, let's take a look at the benefits of using BIM as a whole.
What Are The Benefits of Using BIM?
If you are one of the 74% that are already using BIM 3D Modeling technology, you may already be aware of the benefits.
The benefits of using BIM for constructing steel building projects are:
- Easier coordination of various software systems and information
- Increased productivity
- Comprehensive life-cycle management
- Enhanced quality control with tools like clash detection
- Creates a virtual model that is usable for fabrication and erection
- Used in planning and scheduling out the phases of the steel building project
- Issues are detected in the project early enough not to waste time, energy, or resources in the erection stage (and avoids rework!)
- Reduces conflicts and changes during construction
- Allows for working on different aspects of the project at the same time
- BIM is cloud-based, which allows for teams to work on the virtual model and make changes in real-time, and information does not get lost throughout the duration of the project
With all of these benefits, the question of why BIM is important is answered.
BIM helps to resolve issues before the issues become significant. The software seamlessly bridges gaps in communication between the builders, contractors, engineers, architects, and owners.
The utilization of BIM allows for collaborative decision-making between all parties. The massive productivity and efficiency increases are made possible through inviting collaboration and coordinated communication during each step of the project's process.
BIM has helped to change what is possible within the steel building construction industry.
What Is The Future of BIM Software?
With all of the benefits and uses of BIM 3D Modeling Software, it is easy to say that the software is going to continue to have a substantial part in the future of steel building projects.
This software enables companies to reduce costs and meet environmental regulations efficiently and effectively.
BIM allows for little to no mistakes from development to erection. Even the United Kingdom has introduced a mandate that requires centrally funded public construction projects to utilize BIM software.
Implementing BIM 3D Modeling Software into your steel building projects from development to design to erection is a logical step to save money, time, and hassles down the road.
Check out these additional resources for your New Steel Building Project:
I'm Ben Sparhawk, the Content Writer and Marketing Account Manager for CDMG. I write to showcase the work that CDMG does and everything related to the pre-engineered metal building industry as well as their engineering capabilities. When I'm not working on content, you can find me spending time with my wife and children. You can also find me in the gym, trying to better myself, and I also enjoy spending time outdoors hiking or checking out local parks.