Building Information Modeling (BIM)

As you may recall from Ken Michael's previous post, BIM is a design tool that allows architects to create intelligent 3D models to communicate design ideas, guide construction, avoid waste and inefficieny, and assist in maintaining buildings in the future. BIM is being touted as the next "big thing" in design and construction.

To help contractors who may participate in projects that utilize BIM, the Association of General Contractors (AGC) has released the new Contractors' Guide to BIM. Co-authored by a number of AGC members based on their experiences with BIM, the guide includes a discussion of the BIM process, software and hardware options, responsibilities of team members, training, best practices for contractors, risk management and the potential upside for contractors utilizing BIM. The guide is free to AGC members and available now.

For more information on the new guide, see this article in ENR or visit the AGC website.