McGraw-Hill
2008
Building Information Modeling (BIM): Transforming Design and Construction to Achieve Greater Industry Productivity

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Definition-BIM
BIM is “The process of creating and using digital models for design, construction and/or operations of projects.”

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“For decades, aerospace, automotive and shipbuilding companies have designed their complex products virtually, working closely with their suppliers, and used the models to drive their fabrication equipment. In effect they build the product twice, once virtually to ensure optimization, then physically in exact compliance with the model, at a high level of quality and production efficiency, in safe clean conditions with a skilled and well-trained workforce. This has contributed enormously to improved productivity, safety and product quality in those industries.”
“The Key Concepts of BIM
Most of the important benefits of BIM can be tied to three fundamental concepts:

1. Database Instead of Drawings
2. Distributed Model
3. Tools + Process = Value of BIM”

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I would call it the increasing level of use of BIM. It starts with a simple model, goes on to a model in time (the virtual construction process of a building), adds project management, then links costs to to those project elements, allows photo realistic illustrations, and provides a model the owner can use for maintenance purposes.

• “Design models – architectural, structural, MEP and site/civil
• Construction model – breaking the design models down into construction sequences
• Schedule (4D) model – linking the work breakdown structure to project elements in the model
• Cost (5D) model – linking costs to project elements in the model
• Fabrication model – replacing traditional shop drawings and driving fabrication equipment
• Operations model – for turnover to the owner”

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“Although it can be said that we are still in the “wonder years” of this industry transformation, one thing is clear, we are not going back.”