Selecting the right BIM application software is a crucial skill. Choosing the wrong one is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
Let’s begin by discussing the core BIM application software:
Autodesk’s Revit series, covering architecture, structure, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), is widely adopted due to its shared manufacturer with CAD and a similar user interface. This familiarity contributes to its high acceptance and significant market share in the construction industry.
Bentley software is commonly used in factory design and infrastructure projects, such as petroleum and chemical plants, as well as in road, bridge, and tunnel engineering. It is known for its user-friendly interface and practical functionality.
Nemetschek offers comprehensive BIM software with extensive professional expertise aimed at the global market. It was one of the early BIM core modeling platforms. However, in China, its professional support—mainly focused on architecture—is less suited to the multidisciplinary design institute system, limiting its application there.
Dassault’s CATIA is among the most advanced software for mechanical design and manufacturing, predominantly used in aerospace, aviation, and automotive industries. It is also applied in complex, large-scale building projects. Compared to similar Chinese software, CATIA provides superior modeling capabilities, performance, and information management.
Currently, BIM technology is integrated into various specialized software depending on the project stage.
During the planning phase, popular tools include the Onuma Planning System and Affinity.
For preliminary design, SketchUp, Rhino, and FormZ are frequently used.
Internationally, BIM green analysis is often performed with Autodesk Ecotect Analysis and IES, while PKPM is commonly used in China for this purpose.
For BIM visualization, software such as 3ds Max, Rhino, Fuzor, and Lumion are popular choices.
Comprehensive BIM model clash detection typically relies on Autodesk Navisworks and Bentley ProjectWise Navigator.
In BIM cost management, Innovaya and Solibri are widely used abroad, whereas Luban, Guanglian Da, and Tsinghua Siwei are the preferred options in China.
BIM operation management software is usually tailored to meet the specific needs of different owners and projects. ArchiBUS is currently one of the more mature solutions available internationally.
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