BIM involves multiple stakeholders, disciplines, and phases throughout the engineering and construction process. As a result, a single project may require the use of anywhere from ten to dozens of different BIM software applications. Large design firms often provide employees with access to 10 to 50 distinct BIM tools.
BIM software can generally be categorized into eight groups based on their application stages and functions:
(1) Conceptual design and feasibility study tools, such as Revit Architecture, Rhino, SketchUp, ArchiCAD, and VectorWorks Designer;
(2) Core BIM modeling software, including architectural, structural, and MEP modeling programs like the Revit series, Bentley series, DigitalProject, ArchiCAD, and Tekla Structures;
(3) BIM analysis software for structural, energy, acoustic, and electromechanical assessments, including SAP, Midas, Robot, Ecotect, Fluent, and RAYNOISE;
(4) Drawing processing and prefabrication tools such as Tekla Structures and SDS/2;
(5) Construction management software, for example Navisworks Manage and Digital Project Designer;
(6) Calculation and budgeting applications like DProfiler, QTO, Luban, and Guanglian Da;
(7) Planning software such as Navisworks Simulate and ProjectWise Navigator;
(8) File sharing and collaboration platforms, including Buzzsaw, Constructware, and ProjectDox.
These BIM applications can also be grouped into three levels based on the flow and management of information:
(1) BIM Tools: These are specialized applications designed for specific tasks. This category includes all the software listed above except for core modeling (category 2) and collaboration platforms (category 8). BIM tools perform functions such as modeling, drafting, cost estimation, clash detection, energy analysis, rendering, scheduling, and visualization. Their outputs are often standalone deliverables like reports and drawings. Some tools also generate outputs used as inputs for other tools—for example, material quantities for cost estimation or structural analysis data for connection design.
(2) BIM Platforms: Typically used for design purposes, these applications generate data that serve multiple downstream uses. Core BIM modeling software (category 2) falls under this group. They provide a primary data model that acts as a foundation for storing and managing relevant information.
Most BIM platforms integrate the functionalities of various BIM tools, such as drafting and clash detection. They usually support data exchange with many other software applications and often share user interfaces and workflows. For instance, DigitalProject combines structural modeling, surface modeling, and piping design in a single workspace.
(3) BIM Environments: These programs manage data generated by various BIM tools and platforms, focusing on information coordination and sharing. File sharing and collaboration software (category 8) belong to this level. The BIM environment concept is still evolving and is often customized to fit company-specific needs. Its primary purpose is to automate dataset creation and management across multiple BIM tools.
When multiple BIM platforms are used—meaning multiple data models exist—an additional layer of data management and coordination becomes necessary. This involves establishing data tracking and synchronization among personnel and platforms. In project management, the BIM environment is not limited to a single data model format; it can also handle diverse information types such as videos, images, audio recordings, and emails, which are beyond the scope of BIM platforms.
Furthermore, BIM environments can link relevant project information with other enterprise systems, such as management and accounting applications, to streamline overall operations.
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