Building Information Modeling (BIM) is more than a new technology; it is an innovative approach to the entire design, construction, and maintenance process. Many of the agencies and organizations involved in the building industry have their own definitions of BIM, but they all have a similar feel to that of the National BIM Standard definition

1. Why BIM?
Building Information Modeling
www.ftch.com
engineers
scientists
architects
constructors
fishbeck, thompson, carr & huber, inc.

2. What is BIM? How can construction/contractors
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is more than a new technology;
take advantage of BIM?
it is an innovative approach to the entire design, construction, and
While BIM was initially developed with a focus on the design world, it
maintenance process. Many of the agencies and organizations
has quickly gained favor among contractors and construction managers.
involved in the building industry have their own definitions of BIM,
Construction is a team sport, and BIM is dramatically reshaping the way
but they all have a similar feel to that of the National BIM Standard
project teams work together to increase efficiency and enhance outcomes
definition:
for all. This process is driving the most transformative evolution the
construction industry has ever experienced. The use of BIM and 3D
BIM is a digital representation of physical and functional
modeling facilitates the optimization of lean construction techniques
characteristics of a facility. As such, it serves as a shared knowledge
and principles.
resource for information about a facility, forming a reliable basis
for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from inception
In a recent McGraw-Hill Construction BIM Report, 45% of users report
onward.
they are utilizing BIM tools at moderate levels or higher. In 2009, 62% of
BIM users will use it on more than 30% of their projects; and nearly half
How does BIM enhance the design process? (45%) of all current adopters will advance to become heavy BIM users
(using it on at least 60% of projects), up from 35%. Some of the benefits
During the project study and design phases, BIM allows you to for contractors utilizing BIM include:
quickly create and review multiple design scenarios and easily convey
those options to the client while maintaining a single model. BIM  ssisting
A with scoping during bidding and purchasing.
offers many tools to create schematic massing models, as well as
detailed construction-ready models, without losing any of the design  oordinating
C construction sequencing
intent along the way. (even if just for two trades).
The current 2D design process relies on passing information from  dentifing
I collisions (e.g., identifying ductwork running into structural
the design team to the construction document team, creating new members).
drawings at each phase. By having all project information contained
in a single, continuously updated database, it is easier to manage  isualizing
V what is to be built in a simulated environment.
data accuracy and integrate all project aspects during the design
phase. This leads to better specifications, estimations, schedules, and  aking
M fewer errors and corrections in the field.
compliance, as well as the ability to produce detailed 3D models and
simulate construction. Some additional items BIM will help with  igher
H reliability of expected field conditions, allowing opportunity to do
include: more prefabrication of materials offsite, which is usually a higher quality
at a lower cost.
 arlier
E and more accurate visualization of a design.
Those contractors using BIM will almost universally tell you the number
 utomatic
A low-level corrections when changes are made to design. of benefits they continue to discover seems endless. There are so many
processes we think of in the context of a 2D-based mindset. As we shift to a
 ccurate
A and consistent generation of 2D drawings model-based process, contractors continue to find innovative uses for BIM.
or 3D renderings at any stage of the design.
 arlier
E collaboration of multiple design disciplines.
Easier checks against design intent.
Utilizing BIM on a project institutes a shift in the traditional
project workload. With BIM, much more work is done earlier in the
project. By shifting more work to the schematic design and design
development phases of a project, changes can be made with a smaller
impact on costs. Traditionally, more effort went into the construction
documents phase, where design changes are typically much more
expensive. The graph below indicates the preferred process versus
the typical process. BIM greatly increases the ability to follow the
preferred process.

3. We offer clients the option of construction management services. This integrated design/build
approach fits perfectly with BIM technology. This software and production method will improve
the exchange of building information throughout the building design and construction process.
- es Hewitt, Retired Senior Vice President/Principal
L
How do clients/owners benefit from BIM?
From the owner’s perspective, BIM offers the promise of a high- quality project, as well as
time and cost savings. The 3D models enable project owners to gain a better understanding,
early in the design process, of how their final project will look. Design issues can be
addressed early on with the prime consultant. If revisions are made, the database and model
are updated as necessary, and changes are automatically integrated throughout the process.
This should lead to fewer surprises, errors, and omissions. For owners doing multiple
similar projects, BIM offers the ability to communicate similarities and differences to the
design and construction teams. The result is consistency across all projects. In addition, if
the owner takes control of BIM when the project is completed, the owner benefits by having
more detailed models and schematics on hand for ongoing operation, maintenance, and
renovation of the project.
Are agencies or organizations
requiring the use of BIM?
In 2003, the Office of the Chief Architect (OCA)
of the U.S. General Services Administration
(GSA) Public Buildings Service spearheaded the
BIM helps the contractors National 3D-4D-BIM Program. To date, OCA
to visualize a building before has led a pilot program with over 30 projects
and during construction that incorporated a variety of BIM technologies
to address different programming, design, and
construction challenges faced by GSA capital
projects. In addition, OCA is assessing and
supporting BIM applications on over 40 ongoing
GSA projects across different regions. For all
major projects (prospectus-level) receiving
design funding in fiscal year 2007 and beyond,
a spatial program BIM will be the minimum
requirement.
Along with the GSA requiring BIM to be a
major part of the design process, several other
federal agencies and large companies are
requiring BIM as part of the design process.
Some examples include:
 .S. Army
U Corps of Engineers
 ational Aeronautics
N and Space
Administration
 aval
N Facilities Engineering Command
Working with a 3D model increases coordination and collaboration U.S. Coast Guard
among disciplines, reduces conflicts among systems, and allows us to
make design decisions faster and earlier in a project.  isconsin
W Department of Administration
- dam Meeker, AIA, Senior Architect/Associate
A

4. BIM necessarily provides the “ideal”… contractors, architects, engineers,
and suppliers who are communicating, on the same page, and working
toward the same goal. An excellent product for all!
-Charles Wesley, Construction Manager
How is FTCH utilizing BIM?
FTCH realizes that BIM is the future of design and construction. During the past 18
months, FTCH has invested heavily in software, hardware, and training to help bring
FTCH to the forefront of this new design and construction process.
As the use of BIM increases within the design and construction industry, it will lead to
a revolution in project delivery. Many are already referring to this revolution as leading
to the fully collaborative project team. The theory of full project collaboration generally
envisions the entire team–owner, architect, engineers, consultants, construction
manager, and specialty contractors–being involved from the project’s inception by
“sitting together at one table” in developing the project design. Essentially, the team
constructs the project virtually in 3D with the use of BIM. This full project collaboration
allows for increased speed of delivery, enhanced economics for the project, and true
lean construction—all at levels not yet experienced in our industry.
FTCH has the unique ability to realize the full potential of BIM because we have all
disciplines, including construction, under one roof. This integrated services approach
helps us utilize everything the model has to offer, from the preliminary design phase all
the way through construction. Over the past year, we have created models on several
types of projects, including:
 niversity
U facilities
 otel
H prototypes
 ig-box
B retail
 unicipal
M water treatment plants
FTCH has made the transition from
CAD to BIM a top priority. The firm views Leveraging BIM (using Autodesk Revit specifically) will require some new
www.ftch.com
implementing BIM technology as a means of thinking and should enhance communication and coordination between
achieving the next boost in productivity and disciplines. With the help of our IT Department, Graphics Task Force, CAD
improved communication. Support Group, and new BIM Task Force our transition will be smooth and
- es Hewitt, Retired Senior
L deliberate – helping us deliver exceptional client service!
Vice President, Principal - ohn Condie, P.E., Senior Vice President/Principal/
J
Senior Electrical Engineer
engineers ◆ scientists ◆ architects ◆ constructors
Michigan Ohio
Grand Rapids Lansing Kalamazoo Farmington Hills Cincinnati
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