The development and application of BIM technology have steadily taken shape. As Dana K. Smith, Chairman of the buildingsMART Alliance, stated in her BIM monograph, “The era of relying on a single software to solve all problems is gone forever.” With the rapid advancement of BIM, a range of BIM software has also emerged to meet different needs. Although BIM is still in its early stages in China, research and development efforts in this field are growing daily.
BIM software can generally be categorized into two main types based on the needs of service participants: core BIM modeling software and BIM visualization and comprehensive application software.
(1) BIM Core Modeling Software
① Autodesk: Revit
② Bentley: AECOsim Building Design
③ Dassault: CATIA
④ Guanglian Da: BIM Quantity Calculation
⑤ Sver: BIM Quantity Calculation
The above list highlights some of the most widely used software in the construction industry today. Autodesk holds a significant market share, with Revit offering three main modules: architecture, structure, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), making it a popular modeling tool. Bentley’s AECOsim Building Design is primarily used in municipal engineering and factory design, offering distinct advantages for large-scale public construction projects.
China’s self-developed software, including Guanglian Da, Sver, and Luban, are based on the AutoCAD platform. These tools are specifically designed to align with Chinese user habits and national policy standards, serving as core modeling software within the local market.
(2) BIM Visualization and Comprehensive Application Software
While core modeling software can provide visualization capabilities, BIM comprehensive application software focuses on collision detection, virtual construction, and integrated management platforms for quality, safety, and cost control. Mainstream options include 3DMax, BIM360, BIM5D, and BIM 3D field layout tools.
In 2005, Graphisoft introduced virtual construction software aimed at supporting the construction phase and offering 5D modeling guidance. Additionally, LubanMC, developed by Luban Software Company, addresses material management challenges by streamlining procurement processes, material requisition, and tracking both incoming and actual quantities.
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