Next Generation Building Information Modeling (BIM) Available from DANO

By: Architecture News

"Building Information Modeling," a new and exceedingly detailed CAD protocol, is now available for engineers and architects, through the utilization of distinctive human capital solutions certified to handle technical and CAD work and provide next-generation technology at highly-competitive costs.

"Building Information Modeling is truly tomorrow's CAD standard," said Al Danto, CEO of DANO Inc., a firm that specializes in providing degreed architects, CAD specialists, and engineers to companies. "BIM shows a building at every aspect of its development, illustrating construction, design, and materials in an unprecedented and detailed manner taking expensive estimation out of design operations."

Building Information Modeling is the process of extending CAD information into the fourth dimension. Through BIM, a company can enhance its computer projections to deal with actual materials available, adding a component of realism that simply can't be matched.

The US General Services Administration and Office of the Chief Architect are now spearheading a National 3D-4D BIM movement which entails utilization of 3D imaging technology in projects requiring accurate documentation of as-built conditions. Typically this technology and work flow is most applicable to rehabilitation, adaptive re-use or modernization projects, but is becoming more and more common as a means to provide quality assurance in new construction as well. “We understand that adaptability, flexibility, and innovation are key factors to success in the markets we serve,” says Danto. “Forging working relationships with 3D data capture and visualization specialists like Houston-based Grenland AsIs has opened the door to a whole new realm of capabilities we can bring to our clients.”

Grenland AsIs uses the latest in 3D laser scanning technology to collect dimensional measurements of existing conditions quickly and accurately, thus facilitating a virtual recreation of the real world. Each laser scan data set consists of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of “points” each with an X, Y, and Z coordinate accurate to within a few millimetres. This data is used to generate 2D or 3D CAD drawings, elevations, or to perform interference detection against new design. Specific benefits derived from using 3D laser scanning include increased accuracy and reduced variance in engineering and construction bids, reduced errors and rework, improved responsiveness to project changes, schedule reduction, increased personnel safety, quality control, and enhanced visualization.

The embedding capacities of BIM - most notably through a variety of Windows-based applications like REVIT by Autodesk and ArchiCAD by GraphiSoft -- also make it a dynamic platform for projects to be worked on by multiple groups, allowing for unrivalled coordination of documents and information.

"More and more architectural engineering firms are discovering that it is not only cost effective-but profitable-to outsource CAD and other technical details," said Danto. "By outsourcing functions such as BIM, encoding, generation, architectural detailing, and site development, companies can avoid spending millions of dollars to hire, train, and manage staff."

Architectural and engineering companies often turn to DANO's remote staff when they hit physical limits in their operations. Although they may want to increase capacity to handle additional projects, they are reluctant to spend excessive dollars on the necessary staff, office space, and hardware.

Additionally, DANO's degreed, professional staff can provide detailed animated simulations that allow companies to play with ideas before committing, a valuable resource in the architectural design process.

"Using BIM, a CAD specialist can add his or her expertise to any task, no matter how large or small, and more accurately-modelled representation of every building aspect, from the architectural, structural, mechanical, and plumbing details of a project, to picture-perfect exterior shots (by interfacing the models with photorealistic 3D applications like 3D Max by Autodesk)," adds Danto. "Our specialists let a company see the future without having to pay for it."

Dano Inc. is a proven provider of remote staffing solutions for the architecture and engineering industries. Their degreed and certified 2D and 3D CAD production support team allows design professionals, engineers, and builders to focus on what they do best - design and construction while leaving the details to us. Dano ramps up staff when the project demands increase and scales down when they diminish with no fixed overhead or turnover for you.

Grenland AsIs North America, Inc. is a 3D data capture, management and visualization company serving the engineering, architectural, and construction industries. They utilize the latest in 3D laser scanning hardware and software technology as a means to mitigate risk and enhance visualization and design capabilities for asset owners and engineering, architectural, and construction companies.