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Information Technology May/June 2009 Productive Collaboration New version of reliable BIM software enhances teamwork By Debra Wood A demand for greater efficiencies and an integrated approach to construction has spurred contracting firms to embrace building information modeling. “BIM is becoming a standard, not only in design but on the construction side as well,” says Terry Bennett, senior industry manager for civil engineering and construction for Autodesk Inc., San Rafael, Calif., developer of Revit Architecture. Heightened expectations for streamlining the process from concept to design and construction, while reducing errors, omissions, risks and liabilities on a project are driving demand for BIM, he adds. “The things designers are being asked to design and, conversely, the things contractors are being asked to build are getting more complex,” Bennett says. “You don’t have freewheeling budgets and unlimited time.”
BIM reduces rework because conflicts are caught in the model rather than in the field. “One change order can cover the cost of all the software for two years,” Bennett says. Software costs range from $2,000 to $7,000 annually, depending on the type of contractor, how the firm wants to use the software and the number of services desired. Autodesk offers free views for contractors who want to see models created by architects. Autodesk produces specific products for engineers, architects and contractors who want to do quantity takeoffs and schedules. Analysis features can determine long-term costs associated with using different components in a building and can help with value engineering. The 2010 Autodesk Revit Architecture Platform includes a new user interface for creating complex geometry, as well as improved interoperability with other Autodesk software. The company has also introduced enhancements to its MEP, structural and civil software programs. Autodesk Navisworks 2010 for design and building professionals now includes new measuring tools, sectioning enhancements and interoperability. Gilbane Building Co., Milwaukee, a member of several AGC chapters, reports dramatic results using an array of Autodesk modeling and Autocad products to produce in-house drawings. “We’ve seen our return on investments anywhere from 700% to 1,500%,” says Kevin M. Bredeson, the firm’s director of virtual construction. “For us, it’s a no-brainer. Most of our virtual construction professionals have been trained in school or at other companies on Autodesk products. They can step in on day one and utilize the tools.” Minneapolis-based Mortenson Construction, an AGC of Minnesota member, uses Autodesk Revit to produce concrete layout drawings for self-performed work. Ricardo A. Khan, Mortenson’s integrated construction manager, says field crews and engineers use the drawings to track productivity based on original estimates. Khan estimates that on a recent Seattle project, the Revit-generated layout plan, elevation and isometric views used for forming and pouring shear walls increased productivity by 26%. He credits the software with enabling the company to reduce man-hours by 22% and shave six weeks off the schedule. Autodesk’s 2010 software portfolio allows designers, civil engineers, contractors and the clients to more easily work together. If a contractor makes a change, everyone can see how that will affect the design, cost and schedule. “We want to provide tools in an environment in which designers and contractors can make better decisions based on better performance metrics,” Bennett says. “It’s going to enable different ways of thinking.” Autodesk Inc.
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