BIM Software

What is a BIM software?

Which software solutions are considered as BIM software?
What are the benefits of using BIM software?

Find out what they are and which BIM software solutions are the most useful for your everyday work.
Follow the e-learning platform courses entirely dedicated to BIM...

BIM software as a solution to improve the architecture, engineering and construction sectors (AEC)

To understand what BIM software actually are, the first thing to ask is: what is BIM?

BIM is an acronym for Building Information Modeling, i.e. the digital information system of a building consisting of the 3D digital model integrated with the data.

BIM software are the most appropriate software tools to address "Building Information Modeling".

There are three different types of BIM software necessary to create a correct BIM model:

  • BIM authoring to create the 3D model (architectural, structural, MEP, etc.)
  • BIM tools to aggregate data to connect to the 3D BIM model (4D BIM, 5D BIM, 6D BIM for time scheduling and planning, project cost estimates, energy performance, etc.)
  • BIM collaboration platforms to federate BIM models and data in a single collaborative cloud environment that allow architects, engineers, surveyors, builders, maintenance operators, and owners to collaborate and work together.
BIM software as a solution the architecture, engineering and construction sectors | AEC | ACCA software
BIM modeling software for integrated design | Edificius | ACCA software

BIM modeling for integrated design

BIM software allow all the various BIM stakeholders to create a dynamic, multidisciplinary and constantly evolving informative model of the construction assets.

Among the different advantages, BIM modeling programs offer the chance to:

  • use integrated BIM solutions to deal with multiple aspects of design (architecture, structure, MEP, etc.) and address the various problems related to the world of construction (AEC);
  • define a shared project concept based on coordinated models;
  • create the most ideal environment for the best collaboration between multidisciplinary design teams
 
Discover Edificius, the BIM software for integrated design
BIM software for architectural projects | Edificius | ACCA software

BIM software for architectural projects

BIM software for architecture can deal with both 2D and 3D design software with specific functions for architectural design that allow you to create and view architectural projects and realistic 3D models with materials, textures, lights, etc.

The architecture design functions are accompanied by architectural visualization functions (photorealistic rendering, Real-Time rendering and VRI - immersive virtual reality) in order to meet the typical needs of an architect.

Architectural BIM software also applies 3D modeling functions to other aspects of architectural design too, such as interior design, garden and green spaces design, landscape design and MEP modeling.

 
Discover Edificius, the BIM software for architecture
4D BIM Scheduling software and software building site modeling | Edificius | ACCA software

4D BIM scheduling for building site modeling

BIM based software can provide new and more advanced project planning tools and allow all actors in the construction process to predict the actual execution times and critical overlaps of the activities.

With a 4D BIM software:

  • analyze and evaluate different scenarios
  • reduce management costs
  • coordinate activities
  • improve communication between those responsible for the project or execution.

4D BIM software also simulates the evolution of the construction site from the design to execution phase, with different levels of detail (LODs) and the study of spatial and temporal interferences.

 
Discover usBIM.gantt, the 4D BIM project management software (coming soon)
5D BIM automatic software Quantity Take-off | PriMus IFC | ACCA software

5D BIM: construction cost estimates from the BIM model

5D BIM represents the fifth dimension of BIM: the cost of the 3D BIM model.

The cost for the Building Information Model is just another view of the model in addition to 2D drawings and 3D models.

When the BIM estimating tool is integrated with the BIM modeling software, it’s easy to enrich the 3D BIM model with further cost information for each object and quickly get a construction cost estimate of the entire project.

A 5D BIM software isn’t just program for quantity surveyors, but a tool to optimize the design process with dynamic cost estimating data.

Before the BIM revolution, Quantity Take Off software was used to extract dimensions from 2D drawing entities and bring them into the cost estimate document.

Today with the 5D BIM software, PL items and dimensions are extracted from the model, the cost estimate is therefore automatic and is dynamically updated at every change of the BIM model.

 
Discover PriMus IFC, the 5D BIM software
6D BIM Software for energy analysis | TerMus PLUS | ACCA software

6D for energy analysis

With 6D BIM software, Building Energy Models together with plant design aspects (BEM - Building Energy Modeling) are created.

A 3D modeling approach with parametric objects allows you to get:

  • automatic calculation of heat losses and thermal bridges;
  • control of the thermodynamic behavior of the building and plant related systems;
  • the performance characteristics throughout the entire lifecycle of the building

With 6D BIM software, easily position the BIM model in any worldwide location and automatically get a shadows analysis simulation to assess the effects of natural lighting.

The climatic data for any given location together with the thermodynamic characteristics of the BIM model objects, automatically provide energy simulations in static or dynamic conditions.

 
Discover TerMus PLUS, the BIM software for energy modeling
BIM software for structural analysis | EdiLus | ACCA software

Structural analysis

The BIM and 3D modeling software for structural analysis in civil engineering offers extraordinary advantages compared to other programs that are not updated with BIM technology:

  • easy input of concrete, steel, wood, masonry structures, etc.
  • safety, speed and precision of calculation
  • fewer interference errors
  • also get automatic and dynamically integrated documentation linked to the BIM structural model.

BIM and 3D modeling software for civil and structural engineers offer many other advantages during design, structural analysis and construction execution:

  • integrate BIM modeling and FEM solvers for static and dynamic or seismic simulations
  • integrate structural analysis and design into the BIM process
  • import the architectural BIM or MEP model
  • manage conflicts, interferences and overlaps (Clash Detection) with the architectural or plant engineering model
  • increase the LODs of the structural model with BIM data, documents and reinforcement produced by the structural calculation integrated with the BIM modeling
  • use the structural BIM model and the automatically produced documents for a better execution of the work on-site
 
BIM software for MEP | Edificius MEP | ACCA software

MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing)

The BIM software for MEP allows engineers and technicians specialized in the design of mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems to:

  • correctly draw the layouts and components of the system
  • dynamically integrate modeling, calculation and documentation to improve the design and construction of MEP systems
  • integrate the plant project with the 3D architectural and structural project
  • check for interference (Clash Detection) between the models of the various design disciplines
  • view the 3D model of MEP implants in Real-Time rendering
  • take virtual tours in the model of the MEP system in immersive virtual reality
  • have BIM object libraries for the system design
  • create new BIM objects with parametric configuration of MEP objects
  • transform architectural 3D objects into MEP objects and integrate systems and furnishings.
 
Discover Edificius, the BIM software for MEP modeling
7D to manage the operation and maintenance of the building and infrastructure | usBIM.maint | ACCA software

7D to manage the operation and maintenance of the building and infrastructure

7D BIM "follows" the life-cycle of the entire construction during its operational, management and maintenance phases.

Asset and facility management software with BIM technology offers contractors, owners and real estate managers, the most valuable and innovative tools for:

  • asset management and maintenance aspects using a 3D model or digital twin representation of the building and its furnishings
  • ensuring efficiency, safety and compliance with building standards throughout their entire lifecycle
  • implementing monitoring systems to optimize resources and maintenance costs

7D BIM asset and facility management software, integrate construction maintenance and operational data with all other BIM model related data.

In 7D BIM program, the 3D digital twin becomes the data storage, access and control system for cost control, resources, performance levels, needs and maintenance interventions of each individual object of the model.

In addition to 7D BIM software for asset management and maintenance during its use, there are also various BIM Tools for studying maintenance issues too.

BIM Tools allow you to integrate the BIM model with scheduled maintenance plans and automatically have all the maintenance intervention schedules that need to be carried out during the management phase.

 
Discover usBIM.maint, the facility management software
BIM softwares for architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) | ACCA software

BIM softwares for architecture, engineering and construction (AEC)

The BIM process creates the digital twin of the building and updates the model and its relating data throughout its life cycle. All construction stakeholders (engineers, architects, surveyors, builders, companies, property managers, owners, users, etc.) access the digital model, acquire and update data manually or with automatic systems such as IOT sensors.

There are BIM software (Authoring, Tools and platforms) to support specific activities to be done during the life of the construction and to take or update the BIM model data.

Types of BIM software for the construction sector are for example:

  • BIM software for 3D modeling of the construction site
  • BIM software for on-site or workplace health and safety
  • BIM software for scaffolding design and management  
  • BIM software for photovoltaic systems design

The software that enrich and exchange data with the BIM model through open formats and in particular by means of the IFC standard format.

Only the adoption of openBIM® (IFC) formats allows free and secure data access over time.

Discover:

BIM collaboration software | usBIM.platform | ACCA software

BIM coordination and collaboration

Activities coordination and collaboration has always been a primary objective for whoever needs to operate within a team. Older planning and activity scheduling software create time schedules that are completely separate from the model and the program you work with.

The latest BIM coordination software are cloud-based platforms that allow you to synchronize the whole work team in real-time. Planning, control and teamwork support are functions of the BIM collaboration platform.

The project team can manage and upload multidisciplinary documentation (architectural, structural, MEP systems, etc.) on the platform with online or offline functions for integrating BIM models from different design disciplines, clash detection, code checking and with the support of workflows that allow stakeholders to follow any work process.

The BIM Management platform supports real time comparisons between team members in all phases of the construction lifecycle (design, execution and management) and its digital twin:

  • share and work simultaneously on the BIM model
  • work simultaneously online on documents, reports and calculations
  • manage conflicts and problem solving online
  • assign, authorize, record and check activities of all team members

The adoption of a single data-sharing environment (CDE) as a cloud platform for collaboration and BIM coordination guarantees indisputable efficiency and productivity advantages throughout the entire construction life cycle and allows you to create an advanced building intelligence system that exponentially increases the value of a given property.

Discover usBIM, the BIM management system

 

Find out more

Discover usBIM.platform, the Common Data Environment

BIM software Training | ACCA software

BIM software Training Get on board with our training courses and start working in BIM straight away

Can a BIM related software be both professional and easy to use?

Yes! We developed our softwares driving out complexity and making sure you have the most advanced tools but in a simple to use and highly intuitive software interface.

Our e-learning platform is the simple to use and fast to learn BIM software!

The training courses below will get you going on your first project in just a few hours!

Follow the training courses here
BIM Softwares Support | ACCA software

BIM Softwares Support servicesYou're never alone: get direct and dedicated help with our online technical support services.

ACCA provides continuous one-to-one software support services and a wide range of automated on-boarding tools with educational content allowing the users to solve the issues they encounter even on their own.

Access our support services here

FAQ

We have already specified that BIM is not a software but a process to create a digital model intended as a building’s “information container”.

Some of the “tools” to work in a BIM process are:

  • BIM authoring software for creating a 3D model (architectural, structural, MEP, etc.);
  • BIM tools to aggregate data to the BIM model (BIM 4D, BIM 5D, BIM 6D, for construction time schedules, costs, energy performance, etc.);
  • BIM collaboration platforms to federate BIM models and data into a single collaborative cloud environment that allows architects, engineers, surveyors, builders, maintainers and owners to work together.

    BIM, which stands for Building Information Modeling, is a process – a methodology- for creating and managing information on a construction project throughout its lifecycle. The core element of the BIM methodology is the digital model of the building, which is a set of intelligent parametric objects that contain all the information needed during design, execution, maintenance and even dismantling phases. More than just a simple three-dimensional representation, with BIM it is possible to create a dynamic, multidisciplinary and shared information model: the digital twin of the project that contains data on geometry, materials, structure, thermal characteristics and energy performance, installations, costs, safety, maintenance, etc.

    Whereas design through CAD is developed through 2D and 3D drawing, BIM design is not limited to visual information, but also offers the designer technical information about the object being shaped and enables advanced workflows capabilities that augment the design process.

    BIM is used to efficiently manage the design, maintenance and decommissioning of a project and to optimize all processes, encouraging the collaboration and coordination of all the figures and disciplines involved.

    The advantages are not only evident during the design phase, as generally believed, but also during works execution.

    The BIM approach seeks to improve collaboration between project team members, the quality of projects and the use of resources (time, costs, etc.).

    In summary, compared to a traditional approach, BIM improves:

    • collaboration between professionals;
    • interference control and error reduction;
    • costs, time and resources management;
    • outcomes visualization;
    • project competitiveness and quality;
    • effective maintenance;
    • optimal management of real estate assets

    One of the greatest benefits of BIM to the AECO industry is the collaboration it enables between designers, owners, and builders. The main actors involved in the process are:

    • architects;
    • engineers;
    • surveyor;
    • other technicians (geologists, etc.);
    • entrepreneurs and contractors;
    • clients