Building Information Modeling (BIM) refers to the digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of construction projects and facilities throughout their entire lifecycle. It encompasses the processes and results of design, construction, and operation, in line with the Unified Standard for Building Information Modeling Applications GB/T51212-2016. Often simply called Information Modeling, BIM leverages powerful features such as 3D modeling, information integration, collaborative workflows, and visualization. It has become widely adopted in the curtain wall design industry.
Currently, BIM is commonly applied during the conceptual design phase, construction drawing stage, and the construction material cutting phase.
1. Conceptual Design Phase. BIM is frequently used for presenting design proposals. SketchUp is a popular software at this stage due to its fast modeling capabilities, easy modifications, and clear visualizations, which aid preliminary decision-making by stakeholders.
2. Construction Drawing Phase. During this phase, BIM is especially valuable for commercial projects with complex shapes that are difficult to represent in 2D drawings. Its uses include early design development, structural clash detection, technical documentation, and cost estimation. Revit and Rhinoceros are commonly used software tools here, allowing for precise assignment of material properties, dimensions, and placement information. This transforms the 3D model into an information hub that supports cost calculation, construction simulation, and material procurement.
3. Construction Material Cutting Phase. BIM is also applied to cutting materials in complex local areas of the project. Construction teams adjust the drawing models based on actual site conditions and final approved samples to ensure accuracy. Then, using software like Revit or Inventor, they generate detailed material lists, processing drawings, and component specifications. This approach enables faster ordering and precise cutting of materials.
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