Adopted by an increasing number of organizations, the BIM concept is defined as a method or process that generates and manages data about a building throughout its life cycle. Supported by a dynamic and intelligent 3D model, all parties involved in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation of the building can communicate with each other more efficiently, share information, make modifications, and at the same time measure the impact of such modifications throughout the building process.
Broader VisionSeeing the high potential of this powerful collaboration method, Consortech shares the BIM vision of Autodesk but develops it well beyond the building’s context. Our broader definition of BIM would therefore be the accomplishment of any engineering project via a parametric 3D model where all the information is contained in one unique database.
BIM Transportation”: BIM Applied to Civil WorksA leading example would be the modeling of civil works in 3D. The use of parametric 3D technologies enables users to design and model simple or complex civil works (bridges, viaducts, retaining walls) by integrating data from civil engineering as well as from structural engineering. Consortech is also very involved at this level by working directly with the Autodesk development team.
BIM as Applied to Major ProjectsAnother example of this broader vision is the execution of major projects such as hydroelectric power plants. The BIM technology allows users to integrate data coming from different models (via the Navisworks technology): mechanical (Inventor, Catia, etc.), structural (Revit Structure, Tekla, etc) and civil engineering (Civil 3D, Inroads).
The civil engineering example is a good demonstration of productivity gains resulting from the exchange of information coming from a 3D model. Within Quebec’s municipal framework, several municipalities exchange AutoCAD® Civil 3D® information with engineering consultancy firms during the design phase. Builders using these technologies enjoy significant advantage since they don’t have to re-do the engineering design for purposes of following up on tasks and quantities.
In structural engineering, the advantage of the BIM concept translates into better synergies between the work of engineers and design technicians through the bidirectional link between Autodesk® Revit® Structure and Autodesk® Robot™ Structural Analysis. The information contained in the model enables designers, manufacturers and detailers to exchange information via the AutoCAD® Structural Detailing software.
Benefits of the BIM Integration- More effective project promotion
- Visualization of the project in 3D
- Analysis of different design options
- Analysis of environmental impact
- Improved productivity (Designer)
- Improved exchanges between the disciplines (interference detection)
- Improved interdisciplinary exchanges (analysis-design link)
- Better management of change requests (dynamic 3D model)
- Automatic generation of construction plans
- Improved productivity (Builder/Contractor)
- Elimination of errors coming from construction plans
- Prediction of construction site problems in design mode (via virtual simulation)
- Improved exchanges with manufacturers
- Generation of details drawings from the design model
- Advantages for owners or buyers
- View of the complete project before construction
- Fewer change requests on the construction site
- Fewer complaints
- Use of the digital model as the “as built”
- Use of data for maintenance planning purposes
Consortech has a team of experienced and seasoned specialists that can perform a BIM needs analysis, prepare an implementation plan, initiate the project, set guidelines and provide coaching and technical monitoring.
Autodesk® Navisworks® Manage: the Central Visualization and Analysis Tool
The Autodesk Navisworks software enables companies to take full advantage of the power of the BIM concept. This strength provides team members in any given project with the capability to share, combine, review, and perfect detailed 3D design models in a reliable manner, regardless of the format or size of these models. On a more concrete level, engineers, builders and owners can:
- Visualize the entire project by integrating data from multiple formats, regardless of size;
- Easily exchange information with all parties involved in the project via a free viewer (Navisworks® Freedom);
- Add realism to 3D models using photorealistic rendering, texture of materials, illumination, transparence, animation, etc.;
- Carry out clash detection;
- Visualize the execution of a project in real time (4D simulation) and anticipate construction site problems (by linking with project management software);
- Optimize maintenance efforts (by linking with maintenance software).
3D Interoperability for Collaboration Purposes
One of the principal advantages of a BIM implementation is the collaboration between the different parties involved in a project. In the case of Autodesk software and specific partners, data exchange is carried out directly between the products. In other cases, some softwares do not directly communicate with each other. It therefore becomes necessary to find a neutral exchange format recognized by all software manufacturers. Consortech keeps abreast of technological developments in this matter, such as the optimization of interoperability capabilities using the IFC (Industry Foundation Class) format.
Over the last ten years, Consortech has distinguished itself in the geomatics market by offering its specific expertise in the manipulation and transformation of spatial data (ETL) using FME by Safe Software, a Canadian developer. Already supporting the IFC and LandXML formats, FME intends to position itself as an indispensable tool for bridging different software in the BIM world. The evolution of this solution enables Consortech to bring the value-added component to its 3D integration solutions.
Considering the quantity of 3D data that will be generated in executing 3D projects, the challenge that remains is the storage of all this information. In this perspective, Consortech offers expertise in relational databases, combining it with Oracle Spatial capabilities so it can advise clients wishing to implement a central BIM data warehouse.
