Building Information Modeling, or BIM, software uses 2-D and 3-D modeling to improve coordination and planning among architects, engineers, project managers and property managers, all while simultaneously reducing risks and errors. Through BIM software, stakeholders create a virtual representation of a building that allows them to examine key details without having to visit a job site or search through price catalogs. Use the product descriptions, buyer tips and user reviews listed below to find the right BIM software for your organization.

Using the BIM process to encourage sustainable construction

Posted by Rachel Kossman | Nov 19, 2009 | 13:02pm

When it comes to sustainable development within the construction industry, the key is Building Information Modeling software. The BIM process is known as a tool for building more, building quickly and thus saving money, but, as pointed out in a recent article from Tekla Structures, BIM software makes construction more sustainable.

Category Tags: Construction industry news and trends, Building Information Modeling

Meridian unveils Prolog Converge, a Web platform for project delivery

Posted by Brian Eastwood | Oct 01, 2009 | 08:02am

Meridian Systems has lifted the sheet off its latest release, Prolog Converge, which will be available in November.

In an introductory webinar, recorded Sept. 30 and now available at the Meridian Information Library, Senior Director of Product Management Bruno Berti described Prolog Converge as a Web services platform powered by Meridian Prolog.

Category Tags: Construction software new releases, Field Management, Building Information Modeling, Project Management, Scheduling and Resourcing

Tekla Structures partners with MAP, Graphisoft

Posted by Rachel Kossman | Sep 28, 2009 | 10:38am

Tekla Structures and CAD-Duct software by Micro Applications Packages Limited (MAP) have come together to create a software integration that allows AEC professionals to share their designs using Building Information Modeling (BIM). This integration allows engineers, detailers, designers and contractors to take CAD-Duct models into Tekla Structures. In doing so, they can find flaws in their systems, designs and details prior to the construction phase of the project.

Category Tags: Construction industry news and trends, Building Information Modeling

Working to improve construction labor productivity

Posted by Rachel Kossman | Sep 11, 2009 | 08:26am

A 2004 Stanford University study showed that, while non-farm productivity increased by more than 200% between 1964 and 2003, construction labor productivity actually declined 20%.

If you are an architect or construction professional, it may not be breaking news that construction labor industry has been declining for the past 45 years. Moreover, this downturn reflects the inability of the construction industry to develop labor-saving techniques.

Category Tags: Construction industry news and trends, On embracing and not avoiding new technology, Building Information Modeling

DProfiler by Beck Technology

DProfiler, from Beck Technology, can be used in the planning and conceptual design phases of a construction project to produce a cost estimate based on a 3-D model, the vendor said.

DProfiler can import cost data from Microsoft Excel or RSMeans; cost data can also be created natively. Energy analysis functionality helps project owners compare a particular design's initial cost to its operating costs; owners can also track key fees (for factors such as land acquisition, architecture and engineering) and use them to calculate lease rates and return on investment.

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Vela-Autodesk collaboration brings BIM data to the field

Posted by Rachel Kossman | Sep 02, 2009 | 09:11am

What happens when a leader in building information modeling software joins a company whose software lets project managers use portable tablet PCs in the field? In this case, the result was the integration of Vela Systems' construction field software with Autodesk's Navisworks software.

Category Tags: Construction industry news and trends, Field Management, Building Information Modeling, Engineering/CAD

A closer look at Solibri Model Checker

By Duane Craig

As software for BIM (Building Information Modeling) continues to gain prominence as a design and construction tool, it is enticing AEC companies of all sizes to at least become familiar with its promises. But a quick step into the realm of software that empowers BIM can leave one feeling a bit overwhelmed. The offerings are immense and it’s hard to quickly know which AEC players would use which products.

Categories: Building Information Modeling

A closer look at Bentley BIM software

By Duane Craig

In this continuation of our Building Information Modeling overview, we explore Bentley BIM software offerings, which include industry-specific design tools as well as products that emphasize collaboration. (In Part 1,we looked at Solibri Model Checker, which helps AEC firms verify the accuracy of their 3-D models based on building codes and other predefined rules.)

Bentley Project Wise

Categories: Building Information Modeling

A closer look at ArchiCAD software

By Duane Craig

This examination of Graphisoft's ArchiCAD software for BIM is a continuation of our overview of software for BIM. Part 1 looked at Solibri's BIM model checker software, while Part 2 highlighted Bentley Systems' collaboration software.

Categories: Building Information Modeling, Engineering/CAD