TABLE OF CONTENTS This chapter introduces building information modeling (BIM). It discusses why BIM is becoming the industry standard and bow it is transforming the global construction community at large. This chapter defines a new way of thinking about BIM as a process, not just as software, and specifically explores the following topics.
BIM is a revolutionary technology and process that has transformed the way buildings are designed, analyzed, constructed, and managed. Currently, an overwhelming amount of information is available about BIM, such as theories on where BIM can go, the vast array of tools available, and how BIM seems to be the answer to all the problems facing a construction manager (CM). Although some of this information is useful, often it inundates potential users because the information all seems to meld together. BIM has become a proven technology. What it can do and the concepts associated with BIM taken out of context, however, can become misleading and frustrate users and owners alike to the point of not wanting to use this technology again on future projects. This not only hurts the future growth of BIM technology, but it inhibits users from getting involved and sharing their experiences with others in the BIM community to further refine lessons learned and best practices. Figure 1.1 shows an example of a building constructed using BIM technology.
BIM works. While there currently are a number...
