The difference between BIM and Revit is that BIM is the process and Revit is the tool designed to power this process. If you currently work in the building design and construction industry, then chances are you have come across the terms BIM and Revit. Although both terms are closely related and many people tend to mix them up, they are completely different. Often, they are used interchangeably because many believe that the output is the same. However, there is a huge difference between both terms and we will be discussing just that. Also, this article will explain how they work together and why both terms are so easily confused for each other.
What Is BIM?
BIM is an abbreviation for the term "Building Information Modeling", a smart model created to help project stakeholders visualize, coordinate & build efficiently, as referenced in the image above. The essence of BIM is information, which is why it essentially contains every detail needed for the construction of a building. This information-based model helps enhance the collaborative efforts of different teams working on a specific project. With this model, the design and coordination of projects are more efficient.
BIM can also stretch into the management and operation of a building. This is possible via the data that only owners can access. Hence, making it easier for property managers, or the government to make informed decisions based entirely on the information within the model. With BIM, you can assure the following:
Express design intent from your office to the field
Enhance the precision of major designs
Facilitate the transfer of knowledge from design professionals to stakeholders
Reduce change orders and field coordination errors
Deliver insight into buildings that require renovation
The major benefit of BIM is that it enables all parties involved in the construction and management of assets to work collaboratively while sharing data. Also, the information compiled during the life cycle of a building isn't just stored but actionable. This makes it easier for you and your team to make adjustments whenever it is necessary.
What Is Revit?
Revit on the other hand is the tool used to facilitate this collaborative process or idea started by BIM. Revit is a software that was specifically designed for building 3D models of buildings. This software features architectural, structural, and mechanical, electrical & plumbing (MEP) guides of the AEC industry.
With this tool, you and your team can design, collaborate, and implement the integrated workflows you have created in BIM. With Revit, you can achieve the following processes:
3D BIM modeling for visualization, coordination and planning
Live 2D drawings pulled from the model for construction documentation
Facilitates the access of building information from the model's database.
Although there are other similar tools such as BIMx, ArchiCAD, Bentley, etc. Revit is the preferred option among AECO professionals. The most important benefit of Revit is that it acts as the medium used to facilitate the 3D design models of BIM. Without tools like Revit, the 3D models of assets would be impossible to create accurately. Also, there will be no means for designers, builders, property owners to collaborate and communicate on a specific project.
How Does BIM and Revit Work Together?
The difference between BIM and Revit is obvious if you work with these tools. However, when you consider that the end product of both processes is to create 3D models and enhance collaboration, it can get a bit confusing. Nevertheless, there is a way you can understand better. Here are a few points to understand just how different these terms are;
There is no Specific BIM Tool
The first thing you want to note about BIM is that it isn't a tool and it doesn't have a specific tool that can hold all the modeling requirements of a project. With BIM, many professionals from various disciplines are working together to execute a BIM project. This process requires coordination and following some necessary steps such as;
A BIM execution plan
A Common Data Environment (CDE)
A LOD Strategy (signifies the Level of Detail/Development at each project stage)
Combine Sheets
Work with Standards, Methods, and Procedures (SMPs).
Clash Reports
4D Construction Sequencing
During the BIM process, everything from the owner’s requirements to management roles is documented. All of which are necessary for better execution of the project. And since BIM does not have a singular tool to execute these processes, this is where Revit shines.
The Benefits Of BIM Revit Models
Revit is undoubtedly one of the leading software used to facilitate accurate modeling with attention to detail. Revit primarily creates data-based models of architectural, structural, and MEP designs. Hence, it allows you to share information with all of the team players regarding multiple topics. Plus, this software allows you to experience a building virtually before the actual construction begins.
As mentioned earlier, there are other similar tools like Revit available that you can use with BIM. However, there are several reasons why Revit is among the top choices of professionals in the industry. Below are some benefits of choosing BIM Revit models for 3D modeling of buildings:
Parametric Qualities: With Revit software, you can carry out the best analysis by working with parametric objects.
Quality Documentation: Revit makes it easy for you to achieve high-quality construction documentation automatically from the 3D building model.
Automatic Updates: Another useful feature of Revit software is that it facilitates automatic changes. Whenever there is a change in the building model, the software revises every element affected including the documentation. It also imports, exports, and links your data with common formats like IFC
Facilitates better collaboration of the team via shared models and effective communication between a client and the team
Revit also helps with the automated cost and quantity estimation from your inserted data. That way you can carry out an effective survey and make a realistic budget for a project
Conclusion
BIM and Revit are both terms associated with the building of 3D construction models. Each term differs based on their function during the entire modeling process. While BIM offers you all the information needed to construct and manage your infrastructure, Revit is the tool used to facilitate the entire process.
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