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The Building Information Modeling Report


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BIM stays hot for 2011 P


lumbing Engineer recently conducted an exclusive Q&A with Sarah Hodges, Autodesk’s senior indus- try marketing manager, on the benefits of Building


Information Modeling (BIM). Why is it essential for plumbing & specifying engi-


neers to move toward BIM? What are the breadth of benefits that BIM offers? Hodges: Using a model-based design approach with


Building Information Modeling (BIM), mechanical, electri- cal and plumbing engineers can benefit from integrated design, analysis and documentation features that support the engineering design process. Benefits of BIM include the ability to make a change anywhere and have that change


as well as the needs of the building in terms of energy con- sumption. BIM enables engineers to design more accu- rately, to analyze for optimum performance and to deliver coordinated and consistent documentation and 3D intelli- gent models to owners and project stakeholders. With BIM, the intelligent information inherent in the 3D model helps MEP engineers to more effectively and efficiently design and deliver building systems. How computer savvy does a BIM participant need to


be? In other words, is training or some sort of online training involved? Hodges: BIM is not a technology. It is an integrated


process built upon coordinated, consistent and computable information that enables a project to be explored digitally prior to construction. It is a different way of working. Autodesk’s design software, combined with the BIM


process, facilitates an improved way of working collabora- tively, using a model created from coordinated, and con- sistent design information. This process enables earlier decision-making, better documentation, and the evaluation of alternatives for sustainable design or improvements using analysis before construction begins. Autodesk BIM solutions provide an integrated way of working based on 3D intelligent models. A change anywhere results in a change everywhere, creating an intuitive way of working. Design professionals have quoted in the past that Autodesk BIM solutions work the way you think, exemplifying the intuitive nature and ease of which the information inherent in the model can be used for different design decisions. Can you explain the dynamic of compatibility between


A construction-ready BIM is not only used for design, but can be utilized for estimating and project scheduling; as was the case at the large New England hospital shown above. (Source: J.C. Cannistraro, LLC)


replicated everywhere to ensure coordinated and consistent designs and documentation. This is akin to using an Excel spreadsheet where one data input changes the entire model. BIM enables MEP engineers to design with greater accuracy and to improve efficiency by designing building systems to better meet architectural and owner demands,


Page 50/Plumbing Engineer


the engineer/architect, builder and contractor? Hodges: This is a fascinating social dynamic. Historically, the architects and design teams would create some wonderful design concept only to throw it over the wall and “dare” the contractor to build it. The relation- ships were very antagonistic. This is old school and no longer a sustainable way to work. BIM encourages and enables much better teamwork among all the disciplines. Complementing BIM, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) encourages all parties to take greater ownership in the


Continued on page 86 January 2011


Image courtesy of Autodesk


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