Unlike CAD technology, which typically relies on just one or a few software applications, implementing BIM technology requires a suite of software tools. These tools are generally categorized into three groups: core BIM modeling software, BIM tool software, and BIM platform software.
The core BIM modeling software includes well-known programs such as Autodesk’s Revit series, Bentley’s Architecture, Structures, and Equipment series, Nemetschek’s ArchiCAD, Dassault’s CATIA, and DigitalProject.
Here are the key features of these core modeling software:
- Revit series: Primarily used for civil buildings, it offers a user-friendly interface and ease of use. It includes a vast object library developed by third-party vendors, supports multi-user collaboration, but lacks support for complex designs such as intricate surfaces.
- Bentley software: Mainly geared towards factory design and infrastructure projects, it provides powerful BIM modeling tools with broad applications. However, its user interface can be complex and challenging to learn, and it has a limited number of object libraries.
- Nemetschek’s ArchiCAD: Features an intuitive, user-friendly interface and a large object library. It is compatible with Mac operating systems but is primarily focused on architectural design and has some limitations regarding global parameter update rules.
- Dassault’s CATIA: Specialized in industries like aviation, aerospace, automotive, heavy machinery, and precision instruments. It boasts strong modeling, representation, and information management capabilities but tends to be slow, expensive, and difficult to adapt to certain projects and personnel.
BIM tool software complements the core modeling applications and includes a wide variety of specialized tools:
- Scheme design software: Examples include Onuma Planning System and Affinity.
- Geometric modeling software compatible with BIM: Such as SketchUp, Rhino, and FormZ.
- Sustainability analysis software: Like Ecotect, IES, Green Building Studio, and domestic PKPM.
- Mechanical and electrical analysis software: Including DesignMaster, IES Virtual Environment, and Trane Trace.
- Structural analysis software: Examples are ETABS, STAAD, Robot, and domestic PKPM.
- Visualization software: Such as 3ds Max, Artlantis, AccuRender, and Lightscape.
- Model checking software: Like Solibri Model Checker.
- Detailed design software: For example, Tekla Structures (Xsteel).
- Comprehensive model collision checking: Tools such as Autodesk Navisworks, Bentley ProjectWise Navigator, and Solibri Model Checker.
- Cost management software: Including Innovaya and Solibri internationally, and Luban from China.
- Operations management software: For example, ArchiBUS from the United States.
- Publishing and review software: Like Autodesk Design Review, Adobe PDF, and Adobe 3D PDF.
BIM platform software is a relatively new category designed to facilitate multi-role collaboration, coordination, interactive communication, and teamwork in engineering design and construction projects. These platforms are generally web-based applications that enable efficient information sharing among multiple stakeholders and professionals.
Examples of BIM platform software include Autodesk’s BIM360 (launched in 2012), Vualt, Buzzsaw, Bentley’s ProjectWise, and Graphisoft’s DeltaServer from Hungary. These cloud-based services support BIM model coordination and intelligent object data exchange.
They offer features such as:
- Engineering project model file management
- Model data check-in and version control
- Online browsing of model files
- Remote network access to model data
- Support for both proprietary private formats and open standards like IFC, IFCXML, CityGML, and Collada
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