If you’re working closely with the AEC industry, you’ve probably heard of BIM and Revit many times. We often come across people calling Revit BIM all together. Therefore, there is still a great deal of confusion between Building Information Modeling and Revit, where many people consider BIM is a part of software like Revit.
One of the main reasons for confusion between BIM and Revit is that they serve the same goal, creating 3D building designs and models. The reality, however, is that Revit is not BIM. In fact, Revit is one of the widely available and widely used BIM tools for creating 3D digital BIM models. So, in this article, clear up misconceptions and find answers to what BIM and Revit really mean.
1. Definition of BIM:
BIM is an acronym for Building Information Modeling. BIM is an intelligent model base on Process/method that generates 3D building design models containing all the information needed for the construction of a building. It facilitates coordination and collaboration between the different teams involved in the project. AEC professionals can design, construct and operate buildings and infrastructure more efficiently.
The term BIM was coined by Autodesk – the manufacturer of BIM software platforms such as Revit and AutoCAD. It described it pretty well in one line – “Change Everywhere is Change Everywhere”. That happens instantly without user intervention. Real BIM models include virtual equivalents of actual building parts and pieces. This means that one can “build” a building even before it becomes a reality through a virtual model.
2. About Revit:
According to Autodesk: Autodesk® Revit® software is specifically built for Building Information Modeling (BIM), helping building professionals design, build, and maintain higher-quality, more energy-efficient buildings.
It is a design and documentation platform that allows you to use a single, integrated building information model to conceptualize, design, and ultimately document a project. Revit software allows you to achieve a virtual model, before you build the actual building. The tools in Revit software are specifically designed to support BIM. This allows the user to create a smart model with the data stored in it. These tools, if used correctly, can help you avoid rework, reduce costs, detect conflicts before on-site construction, avoid delays, and more.
There are other modeling platforms available for the same purpose, such as ArchiCAD, SketchUp, BIMx, Bently, etc. that provide the foundation for 3D modeling. Engineers use Revit as one of the most popular tools for creating 2D drawings (such as floor plans, elevations), 3D BIM models, renderings, cost schedules, and collaboration. It allows users to design a building and its structure and components in 3D, and to access information about the building from the database of the building model.
3. How does Revit provide a supporting platform for BIM?
The role of BIM is to link all the information related to a building and combine it to create a comprehensive 3D model. BIM has to rely on different software to collect this information for a project and compile them together. Therefore, Revit is one of the BIM software for creating BIM-based models. It combines architectural design, structural engineering design, and MEP models to coordinate. In addition, it helps to create a data-rich model based on the inputs. So with Revit, you can streamline the design documentation process and maximize productivity.
People can view designs in Revit in 2D drawing or even in 3D model for better visualization. Revit enables all stakeholders to make informed decisions with insights shared by the Revit model. Autodesk Revit allows users to capture virtual models of a construction project so they can have a virtual experience of the building before construction begins.
Therefore, BIM is a comprehensive process in which part of it is implemented on the Revit platform. Engineers use Revit as a tool in AEC projects.
Looking for a BIM service provider or have a project that needs Revit? Contact Home3ds now to order and receive details.
