What is BIM?

BIM, or Building Information Modeling, is a collaboration environment for building design, construction, and operation. It specifically creates an information-rich model of the building wherein each object contains detailed information about its characteristics and interactions with the environment.

The end result is the Building Information Model, which is an end-to-end true representation of the building as designed, as built, and all the data and information collected in between.

The difference between 2-D drawings and true BIM

In a typical 2-D architectural drawing (as in AutoCAD), line drawings represent doors, walls, window, duct, etc. However, these are only representations - they have no information included, besides the dimensions and a name.

In object-based CAD (such as AutoCAD MEP), instead of these representations the designer uses objects or components. These objects can be smart - that is, they can include such data as dimensions, color, manufacturer, rules for interacting with adjacent objects, clearance information, texture, price etc. This data remains with the item through the entire process - from design to construction to building operation. This is the first step of BIM.

Parametric Change is incorporated only in AutoCAD Revit. This core feature means that all of the objects that go into the design are dynamically linked, so that for example, if you change the width of a doorway, that also affects the wall and any systems in that wall. So in the design process the building becomes a completely integrated object, encompassing all of its systems, and all the interactions.

Ultimately, the transparency and continuity of data will:

- allow the designers to avoid costly errors such as selecting incompatible objects or having collisions;
- ensure that contractors and specialists (such as MEP contractors) have the correct specs and requirements for estimating and building
- allow the end-user - the building owner and operator - to have plans that actually match the building that was built.

BIM and Mechanical / HVAC Estimators

There are two main benefits to estimators:

- When MEP systems are created using a true BIM, the design process should eliminate many collisions and clearance issues. Additionally, when changes are made to seemingly unrelated items (such as raising a drop ceiling by a few inches), the BIM will automatically make the appropriate changes AND flag them. This will even happen if the plans change during construction due to unforeseen real-world issues. Through BIM, the actual changes can be put into the plans and the parametric change feature will make appropriate adjustments and flag issues. That way the final plans are correct.

- Here is the most important part for estimators and owners. With the engineers designing with smart objects embedded with rich information, it becomes possible to transfer these items into QuoteExpress for an estimate - without spending the time doing a takeoff.

Export BIM to QuoteExpress

Here is how your estimate will work:

The engineer uses AutoCAD MEP to design the mechanical system
The estimator reviews the design within AutoCAD MEP
If there are no changes, clicks the "Send to QuoteExpress" button within AutoCAD MEP
The list of items populates the takeoff audit trail within QuoteExpress
The estimator uses his or her industry knowledge to review the audit trail
The estimator collects pricing for the quoted items
The estimator transmits the completed estimate and reports.

Autodesk, EastCoast CAD / CAM, and Quote Software, Inc.

EastCoast CAD / CAM's Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP is a fully
embedded fabrication toolset for HVAC and Piping. AutoCAD
MEP has been enhanced with spool drawing, real manufacturer
content and duct fabrication. The end-use benefits include 100%
software compatibility with Autodesk products, a single design and
fabrication user interface, elimination of object viewers and a full
life-cycle sustainable design process flow.

The real manufacturer content allows the designer to create systems
using actual products (rather than the stock generic items that are included with AutoCAD MEP). QuoteExpress will read these actual items and match them to the items that you have already
priced and labored inside your spec.

For more information about QuoteExpress and BIM, call 800-813-7020


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