BIM and Revit- The Future of the Digital Building Industry
Building Information Modeling is a process of creating a 3D database through the information of model which represents the design of the building. Revit is a software application which creates a digital replica of the building. Several applications exist for this technology in the construction industry, however, BIM and Revit are the most popular applications.
There is a major confusion between Building information modeling and Revit is that BIM is considered a piece of software and Revit is BIM. In actual Revit is one of the BIM tools which include AutoCAD MEP, Archicad, Navisworks and Microstation.
Building Information Modeling uses three-dimensional, real-time and dynamic modeling software which increases productivity in the design and construction as it maintains drawing consistency to eliminate the error. BIM is basically a process of creating building information during the design of architecture. BIM allows us to view the building and different object in different views used in drawing production.
Revit is a 2D/3D modeling program developed by AutoDesk with a powerful database which contains project information at different stages in the project building life cycle. This database uses Revit file for storing BIM models. A building is created using 3D objects to create families i.e. walls, floors, roofs, windows, doors and other objects. These families are saved as RFA files and imported into a database of Revit when required. Revit model is a single database file represented in different ways that are important for design which includes plans, elevations, sections, and schedules.
There are three different versions of Revit used for particular disciplines. The general process of working through the system initiates with the architect building the model in Revit architecture. This architectural model is then sent to structural and MEP engineers. After this, each department links the architectural model into their own workspace and begins work by inserting beams, columns, pipes and other electrical connections. The engineers send the model back to architects and then the architects finish the process by linking each model to the main model. All the work created by engineers and architects will finally show the original files which were created before initiation of the process.
Revit is considered as one of the best technique for the implementation of BIM in the construction industry. There is a lot of scopes to expand and grow in the digital building industry in future.
Bhagwati Pathak