Building information modeling is revolutionizing how
drafting is performed in practice. The CAD programming software is slowly
becoming obsolete as BIM becomes more inexpensive and more widely used in
practice. The movement from 2D drafting with 3D elements to complete 3D,
heavily detailed models is changing how engineers operate in regards to design.
There are differences between the two that garner special note, since each has
pros and cons to their usage.
Programming using CAD software enables a user to design a part or building with ease, however this quality is also its biggest drawback. Less experienced engineers are able to create designs that appear to be ideal and suited for manufacturing, but in actuality, they cannot. CAD allows a user to “simply mate two parts” (Webster) that touch and are flush with one another. In the real world, those two components need to be bonded by means of welding, adhesives or fasteners. The use of CAD leaves a lot of discrepancies, due to lack of details that are addressed by the contractor in the field. These "on the fly" changes, in turn cause a waste in productivity, time and money. In contrast, CAD today enables designers to create free-flowing shapes in addition to contours and blended angles that add a sense of creativity and individuality. The advancements in CAD over the past 20 years have given features like documentation tracking for project files.
The biggest asset that BIM has is the ability to test your building before it is even built. Its virtual construction allows for accurate testing for heating and cooling, solar gains, orientation efficiency and much more. In addition, BIM design is much more exact than CAD drafting. The 3D model allows for much better analysis of building systems and quantifiable data. The negative impacts of BIM include a change in work ethic or workflow and a required internal and external education about BIM. The education is needed for a user to maximize the efficiency and use of BIM. These cons affect how a company sells its services and requires the company or firm to allocate their project budgets differently.
Programming using CAD software enables a user to design a part or building with ease, however this quality is also its biggest drawback. Less experienced engineers are able to create designs that appear to be ideal and suited for manufacturing, but in actuality, they cannot. CAD allows a user to “simply mate two parts” (Webster) that touch and are flush with one another. In the real world, those two components need to be bonded by means of welding, adhesives or fasteners. The use of CAD leaves a lot of discrepancies, due to lack of details that are addressed by the contractor in the field. These "on the fly" changes, in turn cause a waste in productivity, time and money. In contrast, CAD today enables designers to create free-flowing shapes in addition to contours and blended angles that add a sense of creativity and individuality. The advancements in CAD over the past 20 years have given features like documentation tracking for project files.
The biggest asset that BIM has is the ability to test your building before it is even built. Its virtual construction allows for accurate testing for heating and cooling, solar gains, orientation efficiency and much more. In addition, BIM design is much more exact than CAD drafting. The 3D model allows for much better analysis of building systems and quantifiable data. The negative impacts of BIM include a change in work ethic or workflow and a required internal and external education about BIM. The education is needed for a user to maximize the efficiency and use of BIM. These cons affect how a company sells its services and requires the company or firm to allocate their project budgets differently.
From reading Esther's blog post, BIM's reliance on databases allows it to create various schedules with ease. In addition, the ability of parametric modeling which modifies all common elements when a parameter of that element is changed. After reading Michael's blog, trend within the building can be monitored using BIM and the building can adapt to make changes to the indoor environment to prevent energy waste.
Sources:
1. Webster, Dave. "Keys to a Successful BIM Implementation: BIM vs. CAD: Really…What’s the Difference?" MasterGraphics Weblog RSS. AEC Industry, 26 Oct. 2011. Web. 23 Jan. 2014.
2. Thilmany, Jean. "Pros and Cons of CAD." ASME. ASME, Mar. 2011. Web. 23 Jan. 2014.
3. "NEWS." Understanding BIM vs. CAD: NEI Electic in Minnestoa and Wisconsin. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2014.
Comments:
Esther's blog:
I liked how you added that diagram to support your findings. The BIM workflow line is very interesting to me because of how effective it is in regards to all the project phases. In addition, I didn't know that BIM databases provide information such as the cubic feet of concrete for walls. Information like that is extremely beneficial for material costs.
http://ae-510-ay13-14.blogspot.com/2014/01/group-bim-vs-drafting-advantages-and.html?showComment=1390926036605#c4504943573435964367
Melanie's blog:
f there isn't a BIM software standard, what are the most popular BIM software on the market today? Also, does the learning curve time differ for each BIM software?
http://ae-510-ay13-14.blogspot.com/2014/01/ways-that-bim-makes-engineers-work.html?showComment=1390926737346#c6006029837994680049
Michael's blog
I agree with you on how BIM can increase energy efficiency within a building by addressing thermal comfort better than typical HVAC systems today. The data gathered from the building in regards to solar heat gains, open windows, low activity, etc. all provide a means to reduce energy consumption and costs. I also agree about the trends of occupancy rate and other trends that will eventually need to be monitored to prevent wasted energy in order to effectively condition the indoor environment, when inhabited.
Esther's blog:
I liked how you added that diagram to support your findings. The BIM workflow line is very interesting to me because of how effective it is in regards to all the project phases. In addition, I didn't know that BIM databases provide information such as the cubic feet of concrete for walls. Information like that is extremely beneficial for material costs.
http://ae-510-ay13-14.blogspot.com/2014/01/group-bim-vs-drafting-advantages-and.html?showComment=1390926036605#c4504943573435964367
Melanie's blog:
f there isn't a BIM software standard, what are the most popular BIM software on the market today? Also, does the learning curve time differ for each BIM software?
http://ae-510-ay13-14.blogspot.com/2014/01/ways-that-bim-makes-engineers-work.html?showComment=1390926737346#c6006029837994680049
Michael's blog
I agree with you on how BIM can increase energy efficiency within a building by addressing thermal comfort better than typical HVAC systems today. The data gathered from the building in regards to solar heat gains, open windows, low activity, etc. all provide a means to reduce energy consumption and costs. I also agree about the trends of occupancy rate and other trends that will eventually need to be monitored to prevent wasted energy in order to effectively condition the indoor environment, when inhabited.
http://ae-510-ay13-14.blogspot.com/2014/01/week-4-bim-will-improve-buildings.html?showComment=1390927655770#c8298848065309071676
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