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What Is BIM
Software? It's
More Than Revit.
By Pluralsight on November 14, 2013

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Updated 5/5/2020

What Is BIM Software? What Is

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BIM stands for Building Information Modeling
MESSAGE and is a workflow process. It’s
based around models used for the planning, design, construction, and
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management of building and infrastructure projects. BIM software is used to
 model and optimize projects by planning, designing, building, and operating
(/) BIM models. BIM models are virtualizations of a project from concept to
completion and on through its entire lifecycle. By using BIM, such projects can
be completed more efficiently and economically, and with less environmental
impact.

What Is BIM Software?

BIM software is 3D design and modeling software that can help optimize the
work of designing for architecture, construction, plant, civil, and MEP projects.
It does this by:


Helping make better design decisions and improve building performance


Digitizing the construction site and connecting information from
construction through handover


Managing the design and construction of piping, structures, and processes


Improving predictability, productivity, and profitability of workflows


Supporting project delivery success with improved design quality and
collaboration

The process (https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/bim/benefits-of-bim) of BIM

software includes the following four steps:

1. Planning: Using real-world data and reality capture together to generate

BIM models.

2. Designing: Performing conceptual design, analysis, detailing, and

documentation for informing logistics and schedules.

3. Building: Sharing plans and designs with trades and contractors to increase
efficiency.

4. Operating: Carrying data from BIM to operations and maintenance to be

used later for renovations or deconstructions.

What Is a BIM Model?

BIM models are made up of intelligent objects that, when changed, stay
updated throughout the design no matter who is working with them. BIM
models can be used to analyze or explore design options, visualizations, and
documentations.

To create a computer-generated BIM model, BIM software combines many

layers of information for various infrastructure systems into a master model. In
other words, a BIM model is the virtualization of a project. It’s “building” a
large-scale project from the ground up and representing it throughout the
project’s lifecycle.

What Is Revit?
Revit (https://www.pluralsight.com/search?q=revit) is not BIM, but was built for
BIM. Revit and other applications made for BIM help designers design, simulate,
visualize, and collaborate in order to capitalize on the advantages of the
interconnected data within a BIM model.

Revit is a single application built for Building Information Modeling with

features for:


Architectural design


MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing)
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
Structural engineering
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
Construction
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 The key word in BIM is “Information.” BIM is centered on BIM models made up
(/) of objects. Revit creates these objects which consist of data that designers can
see in different views:


2D drawings


3D models


Schedules (lists)

When one piece of data changes in one view, it is updated in all other views
automatically by Revit because each view is displaying the same data. Objects
can also be related to other objects. So, to repeat, if one object changes, any
related objects reflect those changes as well.

Does Revit Do Everything?

No, Revit doesn’t do everything. There is still a place for CAD software like
AutoCAD (https://www.pluralsight.com/search?q=autocad) (which designers
use for detailing and documenting). Visualization software, like 3ds Max
(https://www.pluralsight.com/search?q=3ds%20max) and Photoshop
(https://www.pluralsight.com/search?q=photoshop), is used for highly-detailed
design visualizations. Other analysis applications can perform advanced
simulations to improve design efficiency as well.

The BIM models Revit creates can integrate into the workflows of designers
using these applications to further enhance the effectiveness of the design
team, on to construction.

Where Can I Learn More About BIM?

An AEC industry research article
(https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ace/2019/1392684/) sums up the benefits
of BIM implementation in projects. It says:

“...BIM improves project task quality, provides better quality product, creates
possibility of sharing information, and improves work efficiency.”

Because of these benefits, many engineering and architectural firms are relying
on BIM now more than ever before. That’s exactly why it is important to
understand BIM, to know “what is BIM software,” and to know “what is a BIM
model.” With that information and those skills at your fingertips, you’ll be ready
to hit the ground running.

BIM tutorials (https://www.pluralsight.com/search?q=bim) and Revit tutorials

(https://www.pluralsight.com/search?q=revit&categories=course) by Pluralsight
(https://www.pluralsight.com/) can teach you industry-proven techniques to
take full advantage of BIM methodology, which will help you create your best
designs faster, more cost-effective, and more efficiently than ever.

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