BY ROB MCKINNEY
THE CONSTRUCTION APP GURU

Has your company entered the wide world of BIM (Building Information Modeling)? If so have you tried to you push a BIM model to a mobile device? Have you tried to share this mythical BIM model with other companies? Here are a few steps to make this happen.

One of the main reasons to create a BIM model for a project is the visualization of the 2D plans in 3D, preferably in real time. How great would it be to have the ability to share this visualization process with all craft workers on a project? This past summer I witnessed first hand the many steps it takes to create, collaborate on, distribute and update a working BIM model.

Step One
Create a BIM model in a program (ex. Autodesk Revit)

Step Two
Share the model with others.

BIMGlue App: Allows users to distribute BIM information to field personnel to view 3D models for construction coordination on a tablet (Android or IOS).

BIM 360 Field App: All documents RFIs, punch lists, submittals, and O&M information can be linked to the model and accessed at anytime (Android or IOS).

BIM Anywhere App: The BIManywhere mobile app for Apple iPad mobile devices provides easy and intuitive access to BIM model information anywhere on the construction jobsite to streamline multidiscipline collaboration, reduce workflows, and improve project efficiency. BIManywhere’s patented 3D engine and model splitter makes it the fastest model viewer on the market .

Tekla Field 3D App: Allows users to create federated models in Navisworks of fire protection and MEP trades to check for clashes with each other before construction.  Clash detection tests are coordinated between architectural and structural models initially to ensure the correct placement of building systems.

Assemble Systems: Online platform allows users to generate quantity verification and take off data. The platform uses the Revit 3D model for those non-Revit users to view and comment on the model.

Kahua: Online platform for project management and collaboration. Through a direct integration with Assemble, the user has the ability to attach pins with comments on the model for punch list, RFIs and issues within the project.  This can be accessed at any time through the Internet browser.

Step 3
Update the model.