You can hardly open a construction magazine or attend a seminar without a discussion about Building Information Modeling. Depending on how you define BIM, either everyone's doing it, or nobody's doing it.

If you're using 3D software such as Tekla Structures, Bentley, Revit, or RAM, you are "modeling" a "building." Hopefully you'll get some helpful "information" out of your model, so in this sense you are kinda sorta maybe doing BIM. So the architect says, "We use Revit; we do BIM". The engineer says, "Look at our RAM model; been doing BIM for years." Then the steel fabricator scoffs, "Yeah, but we're using Tekla. You can keep your models".

So maybe we're all doing BIM? Our cool software(s) have streamlined the whole building industry? I think not. BIM should, and can be so much more.

A true BIM project should have one model used by the entire project team, not just the design team. This means all suppliers, fabricators, and erectors benefit. Sitework, formwork, reinforcing steel, structural steel, precast, light gage framing, curtain wall, ductwork, piping, lighting, and equipment are obvious participants in BIM, but there's no reason to stop there. Finishes and furniture, doors and millwork, elevators and toilet partitions; the list seems endless. Out of one model, everyone benefits. That is true BIM.

The missing link in the process is collaboration. We need collaboration in our software, so we can produce one model, useable by the entire building team. The software companies understand this. Any software developer who hopes to survive is well aware of, and working on the issue of interoperability. The big guys (Tekla, Bentley, Revit) are almost there; close enough to make real collaborative BIM possible.

As usual, the real problem with making something work is people. How do we get all those different software "users" to collaborate? How do we get the design team talking to the construction team? How can we get suppliers to provide solid reference objects of their product? What do we need to give a fabrication shop that's usable? How do we get field personnel using the models? Who's going to be the cowboy for this herd of cats?

Strong leadership is imperative in order to get the most out of BIM. Without a doubt, the Design/Builder is the best choice, because he already contractually controls the bulk of the project. The Construction Manager or Negotiated Contractor are defacto leaders because they control the budget, which controls the design. They are highly experienced "cat-herders", able to impose their will on all the players. If their "will" is to have everyone participate in the BIM process, it "will" happen.

Actually some are already very close to providing true BIM. Some large firms, like Bechtel or M.A. Mortenson have used models extensively on their projects. Virtually all of the "ENR Top 400 Contractors" have had structural models produced on their projects. Many didn't even know it, and most didn't take full advantage of the information the model could provide.

If it's true BIM, the answer is everyone. Look at what true BIM provides:

• Design coordination - Dramatically reduced RFI's, complete details are worked out during the design phase. Structural, architectural, electrical, mechanical, civil, and detailing models are combined in one master model, which is reviewed by all.


• Cost analysis - the master model and the sub models are the basis for quantities giving real-time budget information. As the model changes, so does the budget.


• Project scheduling - model elements are tied to the schedule; material tracking can be utilized to any degree required.
• Constructability - can I actually build this thing? 3d models are visual representations of the real thing, so issues normally hidden in 2d drawings jump off the screen. Bear in mind, one has to know what one is looking at to do this. Score one for the gray-haired guys.


• Information - It's all there. Models are databases, loaded with information. Pull from it what is needed, in virtually any format you want to use.

Start with the attitude "I will use BIM on this project." Owners and Design/Builders will be able to enforce this by directive. Construction Managers will need to sell the idea to the owner and design team. Look for designers and subcontractors that utilize the right type of software. Architects and MEP Engineers should be either Bentley or Revit users. Structural Engineers should use a combination of Tekla Structures and an analysis program such as RAM. Structural Steel Fabricators and Precasters should use Tekla Structures. Tekla can also be used for cast-in-place coordination, rebar detailing, formwork/shoring drawings, and as the master model platform.

Insist that all detailing be accomplished during the design phase. Hire the detailer direct rather than through the fabricator. This will reduce your RFI's dramatically and get the detailing off your schedule's critical path. Purchase a construction management license for the modeling software. Use it to the greatest extent you can. If this is your first project, don't expect to be able to get all you want, but rest assured, you'll be hooked when you see the value and potential of BIM. The more committed your project team is to BIM, the more you'll get out of each new project.