BIM essentially stands for Building Information Modelling and refers to the kind of drawings, sketches and illustrations that go into construction projects. These can be a type of 3D drawing used in construction and architecture space. However, these construction drawings can also be 2D.
Usually, 2D BIM is based on the reference of the 3D model and then rendered in CAD software such as Revit or ArchiCAD. This article walks you through some roles BIm plays in modern construction drawings.
What are the benefits of using BIM?
There are myriad benefits that come from adopting this form of modeling.
- BIM drawings are used to create schedules, create cost estimates, and analyze energy.
- They can be used for the entire building lifecycle, from design and construction to operations and BMS.
- They help architects, designers, and engineers coordinate their work better.
- These drawings are used to visualize the growth of a building project.
- People involved in operations and maintenance can use BIM to better understand and implement building management systems.
What’s the difference between CAD and BIM
Computer-Aided Design, as you may know, is a technology usually for creating and simulating mostly 2D designs. On the other hand, Building Information Modeling hones in on 3D digital models. They are loaded with information about a building’s construction and management through its lifecycle.
Some other differences are:
- CAD is typically used during the design stage, while BIM also includes more extensive tools for scheduling, budgeting, and data analysis.
- CAD can be cared for by individual designers working independently, while BIM needs more involved teams of engineers, architects, and other construction professionals.
Why should we care about BIM drawings?
To put it simply, if you want to know what your establishment is going to look like, what its costs are, and what its function will be in the near future, you need BIM. It’s also used to determine the timelines of the construction. In essence, to visualize and implement actions based on the expected life cycle of an establishment, you need to use BIM and not CAD as your tool. This is so that you can clearly envision the total cost, logistics, and life cycle of the building and construction rather than simply having a reference model for how they look.
Wrapping Up
That brings us closer to some of the applications of building information modeling as a part of construction drawings. We can clearly see how CAD works in the preliminary stage of development and acts as a prototype. On the other hand, BIM is a more involved and advanced ideation of construction and development. From creating the budget, and understanding its management systems to determining its life cycle- it’s all done through business information modeling. So, reach out to a competent team to take the wheels from you and get going with your new project!