BIM is not software but a way of thinking - you hear this very often when you deal with this topic. However, this way of thinking cannot be implemented without the right software, which is why you have to deal with the question of the right software solution sooner rather than later.
In the course of virtual building planning, different specialist models are developed, usually at least the architectural, structural and building services model. These models can be superimposed in corresponding programs (e.g. Autodesk Navisworks or Tekla BIMsight), regardless of the software in which they were created, in order to check for consistency or any collisions.
There are now many software solutions for planners that are based on the principle of BIM. The following list is intended to provide a brief overview of the leading programs, without claiming to be exhaustive.
BIM SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS FOR ARCHITECTS
Autodesk Revit Architecture - For AutoCAD users who are already used to the new "ribbons", getting started in Revit is somewhat easier, as the user interface is similar. Autodesk Revit also offers extensions for building technology (Revit MEP) and structural engineering (Revit Structure).
Revit Technology Corporation was purchased by Autodesk in 2002 (( source: http://www.revit-basics.com/revithistory.html )), since then the software has been managed under the Autodesk umbrella brand. Autodesk releases a new version every year, which is named after Autodesk's financial year. The current version, which was released in spring 2012, is called Revit 2013.
Graphisoft ArchiCAD - ArchiCAD has been around since 1984, so it feels like it has been around forever, and it is also the biggest Revit competitor. The choice is easy for Apple users: Graphisoft is one of the few manufacturers that develop for Windows and the Mac OS in parallel. ArchiCAD was originally even an Apple-only product. ((Source: http://www.archicadbimcenter.com/companies/History/ing )). Otherwise, the two programs are largely comparable. Graphisoft also offers various add-ons such as HKLS Modeller (heating/air conditioning/ventilation/sanitary/electrical) and EcoDesigner for energy demand analysis. Graphisoft has been a subsidiary of Nemetschek AG since 1997. The current version (fall 2012) is ArchiCAD 16.
Nemetschek Allplan Architecture - is only a household name in the German-speaking market, in the USA it is completely unknown. Basically, Allplan is a solid software and also has a number of useful extensions such as Allplan Engineering, Allplan BCM (AVA software) and Allplan Allfa (Facility Management). The first version of Allplan was released in 1984. (( Source: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allplan ))
Nemetschek Vectorworks - the classic Apple CAD/BIM software, also from Nemetschek. The first version of Vectorworks was released in 1985 as pure Macintosh software and was still called MiniCAD at the time. Since 1996, the software has been developed in parallel for Windows and Apple and has been known as Vectorworks since 1999. (( Source: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vectorworks ))
Bentley MicroStation - has been at the forefront for over 20 years. The first version of MicroStation was released in 1984, and was also developed for Apple and Unix systems in the 90s. Since 1997, MicroStation has been purely Windows-based software, which is currently available in version V8.i (released at the end of 2008). Minor updates are released regularly and only have an impact on the version number in the event of significant changes. (( Source: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/MicroStation ))
Gehry Technologies: Digital Project - Frank Gehry initially relied on CATIA from Dassault Systemes to implement his complex designs. CATIA is known from the aircraft and automotive industries and is only suitable for architecture to a limited extent; however, it supports complex free forms that could hardly be handled by any architectural CAD software 10 years ago. For this reason, the office developed "Digital Project" on the basis of CATIA v5. Digital Project is now also used by other offices, such as Zaha Hadid.
BIM SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
Autodesk Revit Structure - Since Revit 2013, all three modules (Architecture, Structure and MEP) can be integrated into one software solution. The program interface can be adapted to the module currently in use; however, the advantage is that you can also easily access the functions of other modules, which is particularly interesting for overall planners.
Nemetschek Allplan Engineering - Like Autodesk, other large software manufacturers are endeavoring to create a complete solution and develop corresponding modules for specialist planners. The solution for Nemetschek should primarily be of interest to all those who have already worked with Allplan in the past and therefore want a familiar operation and program structure.
Tekla Structures - the flagship product of the Finnish software company Tekla and successor to XSteel is the standard solution for structural engineering and is increasingly being used for steel structures and precast element planning / formwork and reinforcement plans. Tekla was acquired by the US technology group Trimble Navigation in 2011 (just like Google SketchUp about a year later). ((Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimble_Navigation ))
Sofistik BIM Tools - is based on SofiCAD, which is also familiar from the days of 2D planning, and is not a standalone solution per se, but offers extensive additions to Revit Structure.
BIM SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS FOR BUILDING SERVICES PLANNERS
Autodesk Revit MEP - It is hardly surprising that Autodesk also has the right solution for building services. Like the Structure module, Revit MEP has also been available as part of the complete package together with Revit Architecture since the 2013 version.
Graphisoft HKLSE Modeller - Available as a pure ArchiCAD add-on, this solution is also aimed more at overall planners who primarily work with ArchiCAD and who receive additional tools for the creation of three-dimensional piping systems through this module.
If you use a listed (or unlisted) software solution, have additions or other suggestions, I look forward to your comment!
A complete list of software products with an integrated IFC interface can be found on the website of BuildingSMART.
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