7 Ways AEC Industry is Pushing BIM & Beyond

Arithmetica’s PointFuse can take point cloud data or photogrammetry from drones and generate high fidelity 3D vector models. The software can identify natural break lines across the object’s geometry, making it possible to select, investigate and extract features like doors, walls, windows and other building elements. It recognizes similar characteristics across a surface and then, rather than duplicating the same data, groups data by the shared attribute. This results in a reduction in model size by a factor of ten.

Poorly constructed and out-of-tolerance work is a massive problem in the construction industry, typically accounting for 5% of a project’s cost. ClearEdge3D had recently announced the release of Verity 1.0, a software which verifies accuracy of as-built construction against a design model. The software analyzes laser scan point cloud data of the as-built construction against the design/fabrication models, identifying variances, missing elements or other potentially costly construction errors. The variance data and corrected model can be exported to Navisworks for as-built clash detection and for flagging problems requiring remediation.

HoloSketch opens up a way for designers to easily explore 3D design on Hololens. For designers who are not familiar with tools such as Unity and Visual Studio, it is not easy to put something together in HoloLens. Typically you have to go through an arduous process to see your 2D/3D artwork in the device. This was a big barrier for designers iterating on ideas and scenarios quickly. With HoloSketch, the process is much simplified without involving development tools and device portal pairing. Using OneDrive, users can easily add 2D/3D assets into HoloLens.

BuildingSP is disrupting the BIM market with their product GenMEP. GenMEP is an add-on to Autodesk Revit that uses computer algorithms to automatically route MEP systems through Revit models and even point clouds captured from laser scanners without clashes. Users simply tag the start and end points of the MEP systems and GenMEP will automatically route those systems, with the goal of minimizing complexity and maximizing efficiency. 

Previously, while drawings were derived from 3D models, they still required a fair amount of manual finishing and management. With OpenRoads Designer Connect Edition, Bentley has developed a fully automated drawing production system. This means that once the drawing sheets are set up, engineers can concentrate on the model, without having to worry about the knock-on effect that last-minute design changes might have on documentation. Importantly, any changes made to the model automatically ripple through to the drawings. Edits can also be made directly in the sheets and OpenRoads Designer updates the source geometry accordingly.

Envelope uses zoning data to parametrically mass parcels, covering setbacks, floor area metrics, air-rights, and assemblages, all while specifying use type, though it does not show building skin and other architectural details. This 3D urban mapping platform integrates proprietary geospatial datasets, sophisticated algorithms, and iterative scenario analysis to help real estate professionals visualize opportunity; and make faster, smarter, and more discreet investment decisions. So far Envelope is only configured for Manhattan but New York’s other boroughs are being worked, as are other cities.

Cove.tool is a decision making software that helps architects, engineer, owners and contractors to optimize building options for first cost and life cycle cost. Cove.tool quickly allows us to analyze every possible combination of parameters such as U-Value of Glass, R-Value of Wall, HVAC System etc. and pick the option that makes most sense for cost and energy.