BIM

At Interstate Plumbing and Air Conditioning, we know that Building Information Modeling is the future of the construction industry, and we intend to be a leader in its development.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an approach to building design, construction and management. It is not a technology or a specific piece of software, but it is supported to varying degrees by different software packages. It is the next big step in the way technology is utilized in the construction industry.

History: In the past, hand drafting gave way to computer-aided design (CAD). It was a better, faster way to design and especially re-design construction projects in the realm of two-dimensional blue prints. Two major problems existed; (a) there were usually several versions of the drawings floating around and (b) most drawings required various degrees of interpretation, which almost always led to problems. Then came 3D modeling which was a significant step forward, especially for the “conceptually impaired”. It was primarily used for display and presentation purposes because it allowed all to actually see what the project would look like.

When using the BIM methodology, a project is designed from the very beginning as a three dimensional parametric model. Architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, municipal entities, owners, and tenants have access to this up-to-date model on a real-time basis. The model is not just a photo-realistic view of any phase of the project, but it contains any and all information about the project and its individual components. The data contained in the model is almost endless – it ranges from structural specifications of the steel and concrete to a page from the carpet manufacturers’ catalog that describes color and stain-resistance. It includes schematics and a replacement parts list for the air conditioning units, so that down the road when something needs to be replaced, the maintenance crew will know exactly what part goes where.

In the construction phase of a project, all information is coordinated, current, and available in an integrated environment. Mechanical conflicts between electrical, plumbing, heating, and structural contractors are resolved in the design phase instead of on the job. This greatly increases productivity while lowering material costs through more efficient fabrication and decreased installation errors.

Information about the entire project and a complete set of design documents are stored in an integrated database. All of the information is parametric and therefore completely interconnected. Any change is always instantly reflected throughout the rest of the project. Just as a spreadsheet is a tool for thinking about numbers, BIM software built on parametric building model technology is a tool for thinking about buildings. And just as a change made anywhere in a spreadsheet is expected to update everywhere with no further intervention from the user, so a change made anywhere in a parametric building model is immediately reflected everywhere.