ATLANTA — The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has released a new guide on building information modeling (BIM) to serve as a resource for professionals considering BIM tools and applications for their businesses.

According to An Introduction to Building Information Modeling, BIM is “a digital representation of the physical and the functional characteristics of a facility.” Unlike 2-D or 3-D CAD, BIM software utilizes intelligent objects to create models.

The benefits of using BIM applications are numerous, including enhanced interoperability which will improve integrated building design and integrated project delivery, according to Dave Conover, a member of the BIM Steering Committee that wrote the guide. Most important, however, is BIM’s ability “to create an accurate model that is useful throughout the entire life of the building, from initial design through occupancy and operation.”

Conover noted that that in addition to the actual benefits of the BIM process, the guide itself offers advantages in that it gives those unfamiliar with BIM “a fast and high level introduction.”

He went on to explain that even those already familiar with BIM could benefit from downloading the guide: “It provides some broad level insight into how BIM will affect the building industry in general.”

In addition to BIM’s advantages and tips for getting started with the application, the guide also includes a list of helpful software so that designers and engineers might choose the best program for their company.

An Introduction to Building Information Modeling is available as a free download on ASHRAE’s Website at www.ashrae.org/publications.

Publication date: 09/14/2009