Chapter 13

What is a BIM model?

A BIM model is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building displayed as a 3D model.

What is the difference between 3D CAD modeling and BIM?

A BIM model is attached to a database that holds all pertinent information about the objects that make up the project. A 3D CAD model is not linked to any database.

What is the difference between a design-intent model and a construction model?

A design-intent model focuses on communicating design information through a 3D model. A construction model contains construction-specific information such as cost data and scheduling durations and sequences.

What is clash detention?

Clash detection is a process for effectively identifying unintended material or system interferences in a 3D project model.

What does the term interoperability mean?

Interoperability is the capability of a system to interact with other systems without access or implementation limitations or restrictions.

What is stereoscopic projection?

Stereoscopic projection is a 3D video display of a computer-generated virtual reality environment.

What are the fourth and fifth dimensions of BIM?

The fourth and fifth dimensions of BIM are time (or 4D) scheduling and cost (or 5D) estimating.

Name at least three common ways that contractors use BIM.

There are at least 10 common ways in which contractors use BIM, including for design visualization, design assistance and constructability review, site planning and utilization, 4D scheduling, 5D estimating, integration of subcontractor and supplier data, systems coordination, layout and fieldwork, prefabrication, and operations and maintenance.

What is meant by the term virtual construction?

Virtual construction is the process by which a builder simulates, analyzes, and plans a building project in a computerized environment before and during the actual construction process in order to avert problems and accurately predict very detailed costs, schedules, and physical outcomes.

What is the difference between the central repository approach and the distributed repository approach to implementing BIM?

With the central repository approach, all project information can be loaded into one database to create a single BIM model. With the distributed repository approach, the BIM model consists of a collection of separate databases maintained within distinct programs.