One of the most prevalent misconceptions is that BIM (building information modelling) and VDC (virtual design and construction) are interchangeable. While they are closely related and often interconnected, they are not the same.
One thing you might have noticed is, when you tell someone that you do BIM or Building Information Modelling then you have to explain them what you exactly mean by it. BIM is more technical term and it might require explanation.
But, on the other hand, when you tell someone you do VDC or Virtual Design & Construction then people intuitively understand what it might mean. Even if you don't do a good job explaining it, they will get the gist of it anyways. On the surface, VDC is less technical in this way. I have noticed that people are somehow able to connect the dots to make sense of VDC - Virtual + Design + Construction.
You can say that VDC is a more savvy but easier version of BIM. Let's discuss more.
What is BIM?
#BIM stands for #Building #Information #Model. It refers to a highly accurate digital representation of the physical characteristics of a building or a structure. BIM describes an action and also describes the collaborative process of sharing information throughout the entire building lifecycle.
The word BIM, the way we understand, is a noun. Building Information Model is a 3D object and has two keep attributes which sets it apart - they are geometry + data, and together they constitute "information" in the term BIM.
Software like #Revit, #Tekla, #Bentley etc. are BIM tools which enable us to create BIM objects and models. They enable a 3D model to be a smart model with various parametric properties. If data changes then the geometry also changes; and if geometry changes then the data changes as well.
Building Information Modelling, as a process, uses these smart models to enable document management, coordination, and simulation during the entire lifecycle of a project, from planning to building to operation and maintenance.
What is VDC?
#VDC stands for #Virtual #Design and #Construction, and as discussed previously, it is a more savvy yet simpler when compared to BIM. VDC, in our opinion, is a verb. VDC is taking action on BIM. VDC is a visual management process and methodology that allows the use of BIM to plan construction.
VDC enables construction companies to leverage BIM to estimate the material quantities and costs associated with a project more accurately and efficiently. It also facilitates increased #communication and #collaboration among various #stakeholders which further improves the bottom-line.
BIM software are some of the tools that can be used in the VDC process to make the construction process more efficient, but, VDC doesn’t always have to involve BIM. VDC is used in light analysis, energy analysis, visualization, cost trending, fabrication, spatial coordination etc. It is an umbrella methodology that incorporates principles of BIM for better information sharing, collaboration, and communication.
Simply put: #BIM is #constructiontechnology and #VDC is the #constructionmethodology utilizing the BIM technology. BIM is used in various VDC analysis and work processes.
BIM and VDC are gradually becoming the #construction #industry standard for design and planning. Whether used in conjunction or independently, BIM and VDC are revolutionizing collaboration and communication in #constructionindustry