By Mario V. Macrina, P.E. | Director of Transportation Engineering | Wolverton & Associates Inc. | Duluth, Georgia
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BIM and Beyond!
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ou have most likely heard the term ‘BIM’ in various forums recently and not thought much about it; but should you? What is BIM?? What is it used for? Who uses it? What does BIM mean to you? These questions have been a topic of conversation, as well as debate over the past few years, at least in our office. Building Information Modeling (or BIM for short) has been defined by The American Institute of Architects as “a model-based technology linked with a database of project information.” The National Building Information Modeling Standards (NBIMS) Committee defines BIM as: “.. a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics. BIM is a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest conception to demolition.” That’s a mouthful! But what does this mean to you? The BIM process and related technology was introduced almost ten years ago in order to create a clearer distinction between the 3D world architects were exploring and the traditional 2D world engineers and designers are more accustomed to. What started in a field targeting vertical construction slowly made its way into the horizontal world and beyond. The ability to create, store, and share up-to-date digital information gives architects, engineers, contractors, and owners a better basis with which to make informed decisions and a clearer vision of a project’s potential. 26
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