Joseph
Chaudhari (A Group)
Week
3
24
January 2017
Topics
To Be Discussed: BIM TOOLS AND PARAMETRIC MODELING
Parametric
modeling is used to represent objects by parameters and guidelines that
determine a structure’s properties of a geometric and non-geometric nature. These
parameters and guidelines can be applied to a wide variety of objects. For example,
architectural based BIM and parametric modeling have a pre-designed set of
structures or buildings that allow for a used to start with what can be perceived
to be a template [1]. These templates or object libraries are now equipped with
a large number of objects and specific object attributes for users to choose
from. These objects and their attributes are very useful in the design process
for a building as they provide cost estimation data for the designing firm.
Modern
BIM systems allow for users to use 2D and 3D modeling to achieve their desired
building image [1]. These newer BIM systems have “tools” built into them so
that users can save time in carrying out a specific task. Newer systems also
allow for data management which, as stated before, is very important for
keeping tabs on material usage and thus project cost. The ability of a BIM
system to manage data is known as a BIM environment.
Three
dimensional modeling and BIM have come a long way since their birth in the late
1960’s. A major step in modeling was in 1973 when a group of folks from
Cambridge, Stanford, and Rochester University(s) developed a method of creating
and editing 3D solids. This was known as solid modeling and led to two new
forms of solid modeling: the B-rep approach (boundary representation method –
shapes represented as a set of oriented set of boundaries) and the CSG approach
(Constructive Solid Geometry – shape is represented as a set of functions that
define primitive polyhedra) [1]. CAD systems in the 1970’s and 1980’s followed
the earlier solid modeling. Some of these 3D solid modeling based systems
include RUCAPS, Calma, and GDS. Their, the systems fore-mentioned, capabilities
were developed at the University of Michigan and Carnegie-Mellon. This biggest
issue with early CAD systems was that computers were not powerful enough to
support them. This made costs of CAD technology very high (upwards of $30,000
per program). The next wave of design software includes systems we interact
with such as AutoCad and MicroStation.
Parametric
object modeling provides a powerful way to generate and alter geometries. One of
the best parametric design systems, Generative Components, was developed by
Bentley. This software allows for a modelled structure to adapt to global and
local changes on the overall shape of the structure [1]. Generative Components
is very useful for creating alternate version of the same model, whether it be
a new car, staircase, or building.
There
are many differences between the parametric modeling used in the BIM and
modeling used in other industries such as aerospace or weapons design. Personal
parametric modeling workstations are all slightly different themselves in that
each workspace is typically oriented to deal with a specific aspect of a
building. The design work performed in these stations is governed by building
codes and regulation, making them even more unique when compared to parametric
modeling in other industries [1]. Regardless of the industry, parametric
modeling software is best used when design specifications are pre-determined. For
example, if floor height, loading requirements, spatial usage, building type,
time period for construction, and project budget are known prior to design, the
effectiveness of the parametric modeling system becomes much greater.
Architectural
BIM design now includes built in object families. Some of these object families
include site model, roofing, columns, slabs, and wall packages. These object
families save designers a great amount of time in the structural interior and
exterior design process. 2007 was a very big year for the object families of
architectural CAD as building space was now able to be properly represented in
a parametric design software. This was largely due to GSA (General Services
Administration) as they demanded that BIM “be able to derive and update”
volumes of space [1].
Parametric
modeling is often compared to direct modeling. Parametric modeling, as we
know, allows us to capture the necessary attributes and specifications of
whatever building we are working with while direct modeling is a more creative
process in which geometry is defined and captured very quickly [2]. Some of the
advantages of parametric modeling is that this type of information management
is great for scenarios where exact dimensions are needed or where a mass
manufactured item is needing design or re-design. With parametric modeling the
intent of the overall design is easily captured and any updates made to the
design, in the information management system, will be directly applied to the
model [2]. This type of modeling can also save a great deal of time in the
manufacturing process [2]. A downside to parametric design is that the 3D
modeling can often be unnecessary to a simplistic or primary design; however,
this set-back normally will not trouble the software when it is used in an
architectural or construction setting. Some of the advantages of direct modeling
are that it creates unique geometries of the user’s wanting and it does not
have interdependencies like parametric modeling (changing one piece will not
alter the whole) [2]. 3D models can be created extremely fast with this type of
software. The downside to this type of modeling is that it is not “dimensionally
driven”, something that is very key in the world of structures.
References
1. "BIM
Handbook." Drexel Library. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://web.a.ebscohost.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzM2NDIzOV9fQU41?sid=7271a0fa-a0f6-4c9d-a23b-c82e458599f1@sessionmgr4009&vid=0&format=EB&lpid=lp_31&rid=0>.
2. "The
Great A.I. Awakening." Evernote. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Jan. 2017.
Responses:
1. Chris Sager: I
never knew much about the three levels of interoperability. Interoperability,
specifically the semantic level, is definitely something I take for granted
every day. Like you said, when I use an iPhone to run another program, be it
Pages, Office, or WunderGround, I never really think about how much work and
coding needs to go into the process of making these two independent items work together.
2. Maria Ragoussis: I
like how you described JPEG files, or basic pictures, as a way of storing
information. Its sometimes difficult to look past the exterior of something,
like a picture, and realize that there is data being stored along with, or by
means of, the artist’s or photographer’s self-expression. I would not be
surprised if in the next ten years all BIM systems were able to communicate and
work with each other. URL: https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/assignment-b2-group-b-maria-raggousis.html
3. Peter Dannemann:
BIM is a great tool for business and construction/engineering firm owners
since, as you stated in your post, it can save them time in determining costs
of a project. This can often be the biggest factor in determining if a project
is worth taking or even possible to complete. I also agree with BIM allowing
owners/users to make more educated decisions and, I’ll add to you thought,
better quality decisions since all of the data they might be working with can
be stored and neatly presented in one space.
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