BIM Projects in the USA: The Revolutionary Impact of BIM Adoption on the AEC Sector
- PV Digital
- May 12
- 6 min read
What is BIM?
Throughout a project's lifecycle, multidisciplinary-level data is integrated into a digital representation of a built asset using the BIM ("Building Information Modeling") technique. Let's take a look at BIM in alphabetical order for better understanding.
‘B’ in BIM stands for “building”. It encompasses the construction side of the AEC business and refers to any "built form," including roads, bridges, and residential and commercial buildings.
The key word in BIM is the ‘I’ – “information”. The focus of BIM is on object-based models. The model's data establishes the behavior and connections between its components as well as defines the design elements.
Lastly, ‘M’, which stands for “modelling”. It is well known that BIM models are data-condensed. The majority of this data is gathered during the modeling phase.
Adoption of BIM in USA
In the USA, BIM grew slowly at first. However, BIM software is now almost universally used in the sector, which has led to an increase in BIM projects in the United States. BIM expanded in the USA as hard copy drawings were found to be ineffective and a superior alternative approach was recognized.
As BIM gained popularity as a standard, pressure mounted on government agencies to enact laws requiring its adoption. Among the most noteworthy mandates are:
1. 2006 - BIM Mandates for all US Army Corps of Engineers contracts
2. 2009 - All publicly funded buildings in Texas and Wisconsin are required to use BIM.
Examples of BIM projects in USA
Below, let us look at a few examples of notable BIM projects in the USA.
1. Oakland International Airport
Location: California, United States
Benefits of using BIM
BIM helped streamline the workflow
Better field visualisation
In 2012, the New York-based Turner Construction Company was given the task of building the Utility Plant at Oakland International Airport. This 8,300-square-foot facility was designed to hold a very complex system of air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and electricity. The project was modeled and analyzed using BIM software such as Autodesk BIM 360 Glue, Autodesk Revit Architecture, Autodesk Revit Structure, and Autodesk Navisworks.
2. Silver Oak Winery
Location: California, United States
Benefits of using BIM
Early Clash detection
Use of BIM helped to achieve LEED Platinum certification
Ten years after a 2006 fire in the Napa Valley of California badly damaged the Silver Oak Cellars winery, the winemakers made the decision to rebuild and reevaluate their operations. Another winery constructed by the family was later certified LEED Platinum.
At this vineyard, including sustainability into the architecture was a top focus. Since water is one of the most important components in the making of wine, the client thought about including features that would conserve and reuse it. Teamwork was made easier with the use of BIM 360 Glue.
3. St Louis Aquarium
Location: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Benefits of using BIM
BIM software also helped with the layout of complex piping and life support systems throughout the building.
VDC & 'Integrated Design Delivery' helped meet shrinking timelines
An outstanding illustration of a BIM project in the United States is the St. Louis Aquarium, which was created by PGAV Destinations. Originally a train station and a National Historic Landmark, the building has been transformed into a mixed-use entertainment venue.
The facility's shopping hall houses the two-story aquarium, which is 11,000 square meters in size. There are more than 13,000 aquatic animals in the aquarium. Additionally, the study modeled how visitors would observe fish tanks using BIM.
4. Emerson College Los Angeles Center
Location: Los Angeles, United States
Benefits of using BIM
Encouraged stakeholders to visualise in 3D
Project completion on-time
Emerson College consolidates administrative offices, classrooms, and student housing in one place. Standing tall as a greeting sculpture in Los Angeles, the 10-story structure resembles a frame.
On 11,000 square meters, it can house 220 students, event rooms, mixing studios, and much more. It winds through the middle area, which houses the administrative offices and classrooms, and mimics an artistic form. A large portion of this project's success may be attributed to BIM.
5. Good Samaritan Hospital Expansion
Location: Suffern, New York, United States
Benefits of using BIM
Optimisation of the design process
Cost reductions
Three additional structures—a central utility plant, a parking garage, and a patient care tower—are part of the nine-story Good Samaritan Hospital expansion project. More than 300 beds were added to the campus by the ABJK design firm.
Revit and Civil 3D, two BIM programs, were utilized by the design business. In order to optimize the design and reduce construction costs, this project made use of collaborative LEAN principles and integrated project delivery (IPD).
6. Stoneham Central Middle School
Location: Stoneham, MA, United States
Benefits of using BIM
Enhanced Collaboration
Seamless MEP design of the facility
The Stoneham Central Middle School in Massachusetts, USA, is undergoing extensive renovations and additions. It entails remodeling already-existing areas including the cafeteria, media center, and gym.
The school's MEP design made use of BIM modeling. The project's engineering and design teams sought advice from MaRS, a building information modeling firm, for this project.
7. New Orleans International Airport
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Benefits of using BIM
Navisworks was used for clash detection and incorporating RFI responses.
BIM helped to manage technical glitches
The two buildings that make up New Orleans International Airport are the concourse (two floors distributed across six zones) and the terminal (three storeys spread across five zones). Pinnacle Infotech was in charge of producing the project's BIM models.
These models supported 4D capabilities for scheduling, phasing, sequencing, and digital mock-ups, as well as 3D coordination, clash mitigation, quantity take-offs, and visualization.
8. UMBC Performing Arts & Human Facility
Location: Baltimore, United States
Benefits of using BIM
Effective project coordination
Project completion on-time
Modern theater, music, and dance facilities are available at the Performing Arts and Humanities Building (PAHB). The building has two rehearsal studios, design studios, a scene shop, a costume shop, a 250-seat proscenium theater, a 125-seat black box theater, dressing rooms, meeting spaces, and classrooms.
The successful production of 3D BIM models was made possible by software such as Revit, Navisworks, and AutoCAD. 3D BIM modeling was helpful in completing this project.
Future and Scope of BIM in USA
It is anticipated that BIM will continue to expand in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector. Due to its advantages of cost reduction, improved teamwork, and improved project outcomes, BIM has been widely adopted in a number of industries, including professionals, the government, and numerous organizations.
In the USA, BIM's future scope will encompass smooth integration with digital twin technologies, guaranteeing real-time built environment monitoring, predictive analysis, and clash identification.
In the USA, a significant portion of engineers, architects, and contractors use BIM. When it comes to BIM, the most notable trend in the US market is the use of BIM for sustainable building, which is being enhanced by artificial intelligence and the transition of BIM technology to the cloud.
Cloud BIM makes it possible for design and construction teams to work together in real time and expedite project management. The growing demand for residential spaces and the use of BIM outside of construction, such as to streamline maintenance and management to maximize building performance, are the main factors influencing the adoption of BIM in the US market.
But this method also presents certain difficulties. Some of the barriers to BIM adoption in the US include the high cost of BIM software licensing, the need for reliable hardware, and a lack of qualified personnel.
Conclusion
In the USA, BIM adoption is already skyrocketing. However, given its ongoing development, it is anticipated that the technology will continue to gain popularity. Its growing popularity is a result of developments in visualization, the incorporation of new technology, and an emphasis on environmentally friendly building practices. Because of its conflict-free project outcomes, BIM will continue to be unquestionable in the foreseeable future.
Stay tuned with PrimaVerse as we share current insights and trends in the engineering industry, including the latest in generative design. Have a project in mind? Contact us today and let’s build a better world together!continue to be unquestionable in the foreseeable future.
Comments