BIM | Building Information Modeling - Capitol City Electric

What is Building Information Modeling?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is is an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives electrical design professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure. For Capitol City Electric, this means that designers can digitally map out plans, giving them the ability to see the model in three dimensions. Broadly, this ensures proper space allocation for submitted equipment.

With BIM, designers create digital 3D models that include data associated with physical and functional characteristics. The data in a model defines the design elements and establishes behavior and relationships between model components. So, when an element in a model is changed, every view is updated, with the new change appearing in section, elevation, and sheet views. The data can be used in powerful analyses and simulations and to include realistic visualizations.

ADVANTAGES of BIM

Accuracy

BIM helps improve accuracy, reduce and resolve clashes, and optimize building systems design. Using BIM as an estimating tool, CCE is able to produce a schedule of exact quantities, using Revit’s fluid design process.

Using BIM allows CCE to design, model, and document building systems in the context of a full building information model, including architectural and structural components.

COHESION

Analysis

CCE uses BIM to conduct simulations and interference detection earlier in the design process. This uses analysis data for engineering-driven calculations.

Using BIM helps CCE model for fabrication with tools that automate the fabrication model layout. This prepares a model for detailed coordination of fabrication and installation.

Fabrication

Building Information Modeling Team

alejandro guerrero capitol city electric

“The use of Revit and Navisworks has enabled Capitol City Electric to proactively coordinate project changes and quickly deliver them to the field staff. This also provides the general contractor and owner a visual plan of the coordinated routes and locations.”

Brett Grell – Building Information Modeling Manager

Nate Smock – Virtual Design

Alejandro Guerrero – Virtual Design

BIM Team Method

We use the BIM Process to:

– “Build it before you build it.”

– Add value to the field and management team through the use of technology

– Create cost savings to projects though BIM and Prefab

– Support and develop prefabrication practices

– Create timely turnaround of documents and processes

BIM and Pre-Fab

Using BIM expedites the construction process significantly by enabling CCE to coordinate with all trades. This allows for appropriate planning to identify and resolve clashes, streamlining the project schedule. Early access to the design model is crucial for success. Examples of these time saving items are: faster submittal times, reduced change orders, and resolving field coordination issues in the model instead of the job site.

In addition to BIM, CCE has also developed a prefabrication facility. This has enabled CCE to move a percentage of work offsite to a controlled environment for assembly.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)