As is well known, there are countless BIM software options available worldwide, with over 70 categorized by country based on their application and status. In China alone, there are 20 to 30 BIM software options. But are all of these truly usable? Today, I will discuss What software is used in BIM? An introduction to commonly used BIM software!
1. Revit
Released by Autodesk in 2002, Revit has become a leading BIM software tool in the architectural design industry. The suite includes Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, and Revit Structure, along with interfaces for energy simulation and load structure analysis. Revit also supports importing models created in SketchUp and exporting system data as DXF files. Additionally, Autodesk Revit offers common open browsing interfaces such as DWG, SKP, AVI, BMP, JPG, and TIF. Overall, Revit features a user-friendly interface that allows simultaneous model assignments and operations within the same project. It also includes a comprehensive built-in object database supporting user interfaces.
2. ArchiCAD
ArchiCAD is currently the oldest and most continuously sold BIM architectural design software on the market. Developed by Hungarian company Graphisoft, ArchiCAD was initially the only object-oriented system capable of running on Apple’s Macintosh. The software supports multiple user interfaces, including Maxon (for curved surface models and animations), SketchUp model imports, and ArchiFM for device management. It also offers an extended object database for users. ArchiCAD’s intuitive interface makes it relatively easy to operate. Its extensive object database and rich external support applications enable broader use in construction engineering and equipment management.
3. Bentley Systems
Bentley Systems provides a broad software platform that enables various construction project tools to interconnect seamlessly. Their BIM software, Bentley Architecture, was launched in 2004 and integrates nearly ten different software applications. Each operates as a file-based system, where changes are immediately written into files, reducing memory reading requirements. Bentley Systems offers a wide range of building information applications that can address most common challenges in construction projects. It supports complex curved surfaces and allows customization of parameter objects to fit project needs.
4. Tekla Structures
Tekla Structures, developed by Tekla Corp.—a Finnish software company founded in 1966—covers various fields such as construction engineering, building engineering, foundation engineering, and energy engineering. Tekla Xsteel, introduced in 1990, is widely used globally for detailed steel structure design. To meet the needs of European and North American precast concrete manufacturers, Tekla’s software evolved to support simulation of precast concrete structures and appearances, structural analysis, and open application programming interfaces. In 2004, these expanded capabilities were consolidated under the name Tekla Structures, reflecting its comprehensive application across steel structures, precast concrete, wooden structures, reinforced concrete, and structural engineering.
Tekla Structures enables all objects, materials, and details within a model to be interconnected through its linkage capabilities. It supports very large model structures and allows multiple users or teams to collaborate simultaneously on the same project design. The software also supports complex, customizable object databases, where users can edit object data with simple programs tailored to their engineering or modeling needs. Particularly noteworthy is Tekla Structures’ detailed steel bar design capability, allowing precise input of steel bar quantities, bending hooks, and anchoring coefficients. This functionality enhances steel bar position detection and quantity calculations. Overall, Tekla Structures covers the entire building lifecycle—from design and construction to operational management—though its model visualization features could still be improved.
That concludes our overview of What software is used in BIM? An introduction to commonly used BIM software! I hope this article has been helpful to you!
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What are the software for BIM? Introduction to commonly used BIM software?
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