Tools for BIM & AEC

Industry
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the foundation of digital transformation in
the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

Chirag Savaliya (Research & Development

Manager (BIM Manager))

Savaliya.Chirag1998@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chirag-savaliya-
968a3513b/
 Tools for BIM & AEC Industry
BIM Tools 01 BEP (BIM Execution Plan) Software

02 BIM Content Management Software

03 Conceptual Design Software

04 BIM Modeling Software

05 Generative Design Software / Algorithmic BIM Software

06 BIM Collaboration Software

07 BIM Performance/ BIM analysis Software

08 BIM Validation Software

09 Preconstruction BIM 4D/5D software

10 Construction BIM Software

11 Facility Management Software

01 BEP (BIM Execution Plan) Software
➢ The BEP serves as a guide for teams to agree on BIM standards, protocols, workflows for BIM implementation,
and scopes.
➢ To overcome the BIM challenges we need BIM execution Plan(BEP).

1) LOD Planner

o Online BIM Execution Planning tool to agree on BIM

processes and BIM scopes with free BEP Templates

2) Plannerly

o Simple Online BIM Execution Plans (BEPs)

o Visual BIM Scopes that everyone can understand!
o Automated BIM Checking + Compliance
02 BIM Content Management Software
➢ BIM is more than just sketching lines, arcs, and circles; it begins with things.
➢ These objects can have varying levels of detail/development/definition (LOD) and can also be pre-loaded with
manufacturer information.

1) BIMSmith

o Download Free Revit Families & BIM Files With the

BIMsmith Market BIM Library. Cutsheets, 3-Part
Specifications & Tech Data Included.
2) BIMOBJECT

o Free BIM content platform to search for thousands of BIM

objects. BIMobject also develops and maintains branded
BIM products for manufacturers.
02 BIM Content Management Software
3) AVAIL

o BIM content management tool to find, apply and gain

insight into how your digital assets are being utilized.

4) UNIFI

o Cloud based Content Management Software for architects

who work with Revit to manage family libraries, reports and
analytics about how your content is used.

5) MegiCAD

o Modelling and engineering calculations with over 1,000,000

intelligent BIM objects of real MEP products from leading
international manufacturers.
02 BIM Content Management Software
6) BIM&CO.

o Download high-quality BIM objects from international

building product manufacturers directly in your chosen
BIM software.
03 Conceptual Design Software
➢ Conceptual design is an early phase of the design process, in which the broad outlines of function and form of
something are articulated. It includes the design of interactions, experiences, processes, and strategies.
➢ This Software's assists us in developing a conceptual design for the AEC sector.

1) Autodesk FormIt

o FormIt is an architectural modeling software for BIM-

based 3D sketching, FormIt also is an intuitive 3D
sketching tool for the conceptual design phase.
2) Snaptrude

o Collaborative Building Design Software Powered by

Automation and Intelligent BIM
03 Conceptual Design Software
3) Spaces

o Sketch-based concept design for architects

o Spaces is fast, fluid and flexible, allowing you to quickly
create and explore concepts.
4) Spacemaker

o This tool aids in the rapid study of design issues like as

noise, density, regulatory restrictions, and so on.
o It produces several possibilities and allows you to
collaborate with the team in one location.
04 BIM Modeling Software
➢ An intriguing area, since teams debate whether some of these 3D modelling tools are "real BIM tools" or not.
➢ The tools described below might be utilized for an entire building's fast massing model, virtual construction
prototype, construction documentation, and even full fabrication level design.

1) Autodesk Revit

o Architectural, structural, Engineering and Construction modeling.

One of the most popular Autodesk software packages.
Compatible with Microsoft Windows only.

2) ARCHICAD
o Regarded as one of the first BIM implementations,
Graphisoft is a pioneer of CAD tools that have the capability
of creating both 2D and 3D geometry. Open BIM. Windows
or Mac.
04 BIM Modeling Software
3) VECTORWORKS

o BIM tool used to sketch, model and present. Create 2D

drafting, 3D models, Site Information Models, and
renders.
4) AECOSIM

o Design, analyze, document, and visualize architectural,

mechanical, electrical, and structural building designs.

5) ALLPLAN

o Nemetschek’s flagship BIM application for Architecture,

Engineering, and most recently, Bridges.
04 BIM Modeling Software
6) TEKLA

o Creation and management of fabrication level,

accurately detailed, highly constructable 3D structural
models.
7) CATIA

o Originally developed for aerospace (by the French company

Dassault Systèmes) – sometimes used for architecture and
buildings – mostly by Frank Gehry and crew.

8) SOLIDWORKS

o Some AECs use to create BIM building blocks. Otherwise

used for product/equipment design, layout and fabrication.
04 BIM Modeling Software
9) DESIGN FOR FABRICATION

o Designed on the 3DEXPERIENCE cloud it provides

integrative, parametric, associative and computational
modeling.
10) RHINO BIM

o Free-form 3D modeling tools to create, edit, analyze,

document, render, animate, and translate NURBS* curves,
surfaces, and solids, point clouds, and polygon meshes.

11) BRICSCAD BIM

o Touted as a more integrated workflow for

sketching/modeling > BIM > detailing..
04 BIM Modeling Software
12) AUTODESK FABRICATION

o Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contractors

use design-intent models to create detailed models
ready for the fabrication and installation of building
services.

13) VERTEX BD

o Vertex BD is the leading wood and timber framing

software for prefab, modular, residential and commercial
construction. Architects, drafters, engineers and
construction professionals use Vertex BD to streamline
their entire building process, from detailing to
manufacturing.
o ​The Vertex BD BIM software is specifically designed for
commercial and residential wood frames; prefabricated
wall, floor, ceiling and roof panels; and modular
construction.
04 BIM Modeling Software
14) Autodesk CIVIL 3D

o Comprehensive detailed design and documentation

software for civil infrastructure.

15) SKETCHUP

o SketchUp is a premier 3D design software that truly makes

3D modeling for everyone, with a simple to learn yet robust
toolset that empowers you to create anything from
architectural, interior design, landscape design, to civil and
mechanical engineering and game design.
05 Generative Design Software / Algorithmic BIM Software
➢ These technologies are often based on visual programming as opposed to textual scripting.
➢ They aid in the automation of the design workflow and give a plethora of possibilities for people to make better
informed judgements.

1) DYNAMO

o Free source graphical programming interface for exploring parametric

conceptual ideas and automating operations. Mostly used in conjunction
with Autodesk Revit.

2) GRASSHOPPER
o Graphical algorithm editor tightly integrated with Rhino’s 3-D modeling
tools. For designers who are exploring new shapes using generative
algorithms. Mostly used with Graphisoft ArchiCAD.
05 Generative Design Software / Algorithmic BIM Software
3) XGENERATIVE DESIGN

o Cloud based generative design based on Catia – a mix of

Grasshopper and Dynamo taking the strongest features
of both while running on a cloud server.
4) HYPAR

o Free-form 3D modeling tools to create, edit, analyze,

document, render, animate, and translate NURBS* curves,
surfaces, and solids, point clouds, and polygon meshes.

5) EDGEWISE

o Algorithms that can automatically identify and extract walls

and windows from point clouds and export them as Revit
family objects.
06 BIM Collaboration Software
➢ These models cannot exist in silos if everyone is to stay on the same page.
➢ These BIM collaboration solutions enable teams to exchange and access the appropriate models at the
appropriate moments.

1) BIM360

o Construction management software to connect, organize and optimize.

From design collaboration, documentation and reviews, to pre-
construction, quality and safety and operations.

2) TRIMBLE CONNECT
o A collaborative environment to make project information traceable,
transparent, and accessible to help users to build better. Allows users to
view, share, and access project information from anywhere, at anytime.
06 BIM Collaboration Software
3) ALLPLAN BIMPLUS

o Open BIM platform for all disciplines to collaborate with

BIM data, information, documents and tasks managed
centrally over the complete building life cycle.
4) BIMSIGHT

o Free collaboration tool to combine models for 3D

navigation, automatic clash detection, mark-ups, IFC
support, multiple model viewing, and object or model
coloring and transparency.
5) DROFUS

o Data management tool for workflow support and access to

building information throughout the building lifecycle.
06 BIM Collaboration Software
6) PROCORE

o The all-in-one construction management software built

to help you finish quality projects—safely, on time, and
within budget.
7) BIMX

o Desktop and mobile tools to interactively present the 3D

model and 2D documentation created with ArchiCAD
through a much simpler and intuitive user interface.
07 BIM Performance/ BIM analysis Software
➢ Intelligent 3D models can be used to automate building analysis before construction starts.
➢ This could be a solar study, a structural analysis, modeling the flow of people for fire codes and all kinds of
energy efficiency calculations for green buildings.

1) ROBOT STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

o Test the effects of structural loads and verify code compliance.

2) SEFAIRA
o Early stage building performance analysis to study natural ventilation &
HVAC systems for energy, daylight & comfort goals.
07 BIM Performance/ BIM analysis Software
3) STAAD

o Open BIM platform for all disciplines to collaborate with

BIM data, information, documents and tasks managed
centrally over the complete building life cycle.
4) SCIA

o Combining structural engineering know-how with

technology, to provide powerful structural analysis and
design.

5) GREEN BUILDING STUDIO

o Cloud-based service to run building performance

simulations to optimize energy efficiency and to work
toward carbon neutrality earlier in the design process.
07 BIM Performance/ BIM analysis Software
6) LADYBUG

o Perform detailed analysis of climate data to produce

customized, interactive visualizations for
environmentally-informed design.
08 BIM Validation Software
➢ When combining 3D models from multiple project teams issues can often be uncovered.
➢ These problems can be solved in the virtual model at a much lower cost compared to after the construction
team has started the work on site.

1) BIM TRACK

o OpenBIM webapp to centralize issues and communications for resolution.

2) REVIZTO
o Real-time issue tracking software with a focus on collaboration and BIM
project coordination.
08 BIM Validation Software
3) BIM ASSURE

o Cloud-based software that helps owners and project

teams work together to create complete, reliable model
data.
4) NAVISWORKS

o For opening, combining, review and navigation of 3D

models. Features includes clash detection and model
simulation.

5) SOLIBRI MODEL CHECKER

o For BIM validation, compliance, coordination, design

review, analysis and code checking.
08 BIM Validation Software
6) BIMCOLLABE

o Issue collaboration platform built on IFC and BCF open

standards to store, share and solve issues with history
tracking.
7) SIMPLEBIM

o For producing, merging, or using IFC files.

09 Preconstruction BIM 4D/5D software
➢ BIMs can be used to gain efficiencies for contractors in their estimating and scheduling workflows.
➢ Model elements can be scheduled over time to identify phasing and sequencing challenges.

1) NAVISWORKS

o Animate and interact with model objects for simulation, create schedules
directly from project models, and import schedules and cost items from
external project management applications.

2) SYNCHRO PROFESSIONAL
o 4D BIM tool focused on improving the quality, safety, productivity and
efficiency through the visual sequencing of construction projects.
09 Preconstruction BIM 4D/5D software
3) ASSEMBLE SYSTEMS

o Manage BIM models, drawings & point clouds – perform

design reviews, bid management, takeoff, change
management and estimating.
4) VICO OFFICE

o Constructability, estimating, cost management, schedule

planning, procurement and change management processes.

5) COSTX

o 2D & 3D takeoff, estimating and reporting using

measurement from 2D drawings and the generation of
automatic quantities from 3D models.
09 Preconstruction BIM 4D/5D software
5) DPROFILER

o 3D macro modeling and cost estimating to build a model

of your conceptual design and generate an early phase
cost estimate.
6) ITWO / MTWO

o 5D planning and execution moving to the MTWO cloud.

7) BEXCEL MANAGER

o Drive the digital transformation of your construction

management workflows throughout the entire project
lifecycle with a uniqueBEXEL Manager intelligent openBIM
platform.
10 Construction BIM Software
➢ After building the project virtually (in the computer) it’s now time to break dirt and build the real thing – this is
where the rubber meets the road.
➢ Many of the collaboration tools previously listed are also used through the construction phases.

1) GRIT VIRTUAL

o Agile construction schedule generation with 3D visualization.

2) ALICE TECHNOLOGIES
o Explore millions of scheduling options in minutes.
10 Construction BIM Software
3) VERITY

o Helps teams compare point clouds and models to find

construction mistakes before they become expensive
problems.
11 Facility Management Software
➢ The “i’ in BiM now comes alive and Building Information Models can be used for the entire life of a building.
➢ These tools help building owners quickly find important information at the right time to gain efficiencies when
operating their built assets.

1) ECODOMUS

o Designed for real estate owners to implement maintenance procedures,

specifically cutting on energy and labor costs.

2) ONUMA
o An open-architecture BIM platform with standard tools to visualize
facility data for real-time informed decision making.
11 Facility Management Software
3) ARCHIBUS

o Manage facilities, infrastructure, and real estate.

4) YOUBIM

o Navigate virtually through a property to access asset

information and location through an easy-to-navigate web-
based 2D/3D-BIM interface.

5) VUEOPS

o View and manage facility operations with intelligent search

and location-based BIM navigation to manage warranty
events for assets.
Thank you