Concept of Building Information Modeling

Course Outline

Building Information Modeling (or BIM) is setting a new trend in AEC industries. But what is BIM? Is it the same as 3-D geometric modeling of buildings? This course discusses what BIM is, why BIM is important, and how BIM benefits design professions, fabricators, contractors and building owners. It also helps engineers and architects gain insight into how BIM works and how BIM standards are developed. This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

• Understand what BIM is;
• Know the difference between CAD and BIM;
• Understand the importance of BIM;
• Know what is involved in BIM;
• Understand the potential benefits of BIM; and
• Be familiar with one of the latest technological advances in the building industry.

Course Content

In this course, you will be directed to the following web pages to learn about BIM:

What is BIM? (a PDF file)
Overview of Building Information Model (a PowerPoint presentation file)
Building Information Modeling - AutoDesk White Paper (a PDF file)
National BIM Standard (a PowerPoint presentation file)

Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the documents for your study.

Course Summary

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the process of generating and managing a building information model through the use of three–dimensional, intelligent design information. Although BIM has not seen its widespread use in AEC industries as CAD has in the last two decades, it certainly has many advantages over the traditional CAD in the design, construction and operation of large and complex facilities. Eventually, BIM will move AEC industries away from a "2D Based" process toward a "Model Based" process. As design professionals, we must understand the concept of BIM and its potential application for our future projects.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following web pages:

National Building Information Model Standard Version 1.0 (PDF)
Autodesk - Building Information Modeling
Building Information Modeling

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDHonline.org or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered professional engineer. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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