Kamal Shawqi
Before discussing details about this technology, let’s recap what are the basic steps in a project. The basic steps are idea, design, drawings estimation, defined the action plan, and then implementation process, all the way to the operation and maintenance.
These are the basic steps of any engineering project, whether it is electrical, mechanical, structural or architectural. For any type of engineering project, it requires cooperation between engineers from various departments during each phase of the project. However, the main problem is the weakness of cooperation or misunderstanding, which might occur between engineers of different departments. Furthermore, this may generate significant errors during the project design stage and then during the implementation phase, not to mention waste of time and money.
Firstly engineers always have suffered from methods of software-based which depend on simulation for the building works (e.g. the adoption of structural analysis on the Analytical Modeling programs). Although these software has formed a qualitative bound in the field of design still can cause some design problems, especially if the software has been used non-professionally (especially by students and junior engineers). Secondly, it helps engineers with the production of various detailed charts, estimations and time schedules, that are output automatically after the completion of modeling and it runs the software per the BIM. After we learned about the definition of BIM technology, let’s see another article that will move us forward to the next question, an author listed some advantages of a new technology that addresses some of the deficiencies current method.
Most of the Building Information Modeling experts are passionately supporting others to master the use of this technology and encourage early collaboration between the designer and the contractor to build the best facilities and to develop the construction industry in a broader perspective. But we are also aware of the excessive difficulties of this approach, which is that is the weakness of marketing and involves technique for Clients, design and contractors – and construction firms. It is also typical for human beings to resist changes and this technique requires major changes. It will change corporate culture committed to the standards imposed by the adoption of this revolutionary process. The success of the marketing and the fulfillment of the changes that are required for the success of the BIM implementation is more important than the technical development itself.
We humans always want to see clearly around us, but on the other hand, we do not wish to share this ability with others. In other words, we are always trying to hide details that are not up to the level of acceptable standards instead of we show the details that we are proud of. Since the BIM technology cannot hide a lot, so we believe that time is necessary to accept it and get used to it.
BIM technology requires more cooperation and it forces us to deal with colleagues differently. Thus, so it is from psychological point of view is a healthy development and the transition is not easy, the need for cooperation will lead to dependence the development of team spirit and makes its members more comfortable for mutual assistance among themselves and sharing responsibility for the product outcome. The team members will respect the points you share information with them but always keep it as a subject to disagreement, the use of this technology will also enhance the culture of collaboration, rather than the culture of competition and everyone will be proud of the results of the joint work.
The BIM technology used in:
● Facilitation of the design and drawing process, and construction.
● Estimating, the study of the project expenses.
● Verification of the integrity of the building, the discovery of errors and reduces risks.
● Study the building environment; how it is reflected on the health and social life.
● Saving time and effort.
● Coordination and greater cooperation with the various engineering departments.
● Increasing customers and public confidence.
● Increasing employees’ productivity.
With all the features mentioned above there are barriers preventing them from switching to a new technology. They are not ready to switch and adapt the process.
Barriers prevents the transition to the technology of BIM software:
● Work flow fears that obtains by beginners.
● Company size and specialization.
● Skill level of the current users and extent of their willingness to develop.
● The cost of training.
● Lack of mental readiness to accept the idea of switching to the new technology.
● Unwillingness to invest the time and money required to move to a new platform.
● The cost of new computer hardware, different features from current to suit the new software.
This is what makes AutoCAD an interesting option for many coming years.
Transition to technology of BIM software requires a change in the nature of the prevailing thinking about projects modeling and construction, and needs to develop management processes. Transition to the technology of BIM software meant to reduce the number of employees, and for that to happen it needs to move to the development of the current Career Level, this may be hard on people who are accustomed to AutoCAD and adapted to it. However, you must think about the benefits and advantages derived from transition to the technology of BIM software, and everyone who truly knows the technology of BIM software astonished by its performance, and its ability to improve the building, vision and documentation performance, with the benefits of maintaining the safety and durability. All this sums up the reality that the AutoCAD and technology BIM software are great products, and it is a precise decision to move to the BIM technology software.
AutoCAD or Revit?
I always say, two software are essential and are the most important two-dimension software in the world, and it operates its own style and technology. The Revit is the most important software in the modern era that uses BIM technology, so it is preferable for the user to have sufficient knowledge of both software, beginner AutoCAD and advanced Revit. Therefore, I do not encourage leaving AutoCAD completely and move on to Revit, but instead develop our knowledge, experience and proficiency by learning Revit along with AutoCAD, when the world dispenses AutoCAD completely, at that time I will tell you to forget AutoCAD.
Translated By: Mohammad Abdo.