ConstructionAdvisorToday

QA Graphics Expands Capabilities to Provide BIM Design

QA Graphics has expanded its capabilities to provide building information modeling (BIM) design for building product manufacturers.

QA Graphics provides various graphic outsourcing solutions for the building industry, including the creation of 3D models and animations for manufacturers' building products, designing control system graphics, and the development of energy education dashboards to provide education about a building's sustainable features. The company has worked with several manufacturers to provide 3D design and animation services to represent their heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing equipment.

Construction Expert Offers Advice on Change-Management Issues Involving Construction Projects

Before developing a strategy for managing change in construction projects, it is imperative to understand why change occurs, Bruce Hallock, vice president of Marsh Risk Consulting, told attendees of a webinar that CPC/BIM sponsored June 22.

There are six primary causes of change in construction, Hallock said during the webinar, entitled "Change Management: Managing Change vs. Administering the Change Order Process." Such causes include the following: differing site conditions; design revisions; errors and omissions; performance errors; market conditions; and conscious decisions.

New Releases Announced for Two Reed Products

Reed Construction Data (RCD) earlier this month announced new releases for two of its building information modeling (BIM) products, SmartBIM Library 4.0 and SmartBIM QTO 2.0, which now include support for Revit 2011 from Autodesk.

The enhancements to SmartBIM Library make object content management easier by improving performance for publishing and filtering large catalogs of BIM family content, RCD stated. "These enhancements and the other features of SmartBIM Library can drastically reduce time spent managing and organizing Revit families."

World Market for Green Building Materials Expected to Reach $406 Billion by 2015

The world's market for green building materials is expected to reach $406 billion by 2015, according to a new report entitled "Green Building Materials: A Global Strategic Business Report."

In announcing the report's release, Global Industry Analysts Inc. (GIA) asserted that growth primarily will be driven by increased awareness of environmental concerns the world over, high energy costs, increasing awareness that green buildings enhance well-being and worker productivity, and decreasing costs of green building materials.

Trimble Introduces Point Creator Software

Trimble earlier this month introduced its Point Creator Software for contractors, engineers, detailers, and architects supporting the building construction industry as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades. The application, available in two versions -- Trimble Point Creator and Trimble Point Creator Pro -- provides a platform where computer-aided-design (CAD) users can create 2D and 3D points transferable to and from a Trimble LM80, Trimble MEP, Trimble TS Series Total Stations as well as other total stations. The application is compatible with popular CAD platforms such as AutoCad, Bricscad, and ZWcad.

Beck Awarded Task Order Under BIM IDIQ Contract with GSA

Beck Technology LTD has been awarded a task order under its nationwide building information modeling (BIM) indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contract with the U.S. General Services Administration to conduct a feasibility study for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

E-Builder Launches Enterprise 7.4 Upgrade

E-Builder recently announced the launch of e-Builder Enterprise 7.4, the first of four upgrades for 2010, including more than 70 enhancements to its flagship software-as-a-service (SaaS).

The new functionality supports collaborative BIM model review, automated file synchronization with client servers, more flexible reporting capabilities to enable visibility into both business processes and project key performance indicators, extended file categorization for improved search, and new data exchange functionality that leverages the latest agcXML standards. In addition, the company added several features to streamline data entry and approval processes for budget, cost, and schedule management, all based on feedback from the e-Builder user base.

CertainTeed Gypsum Unveils BIM Objects

CertainTeed Gypsum recently announced the introduction of building information modeling (BIM) objects for building, design, and construction professionals' use in project design, specification, and scheduling.

The objects are available through Reed Construction Data's SmartBIM Library and include details and systems incorporating the following: GlasRoc Sheathing and Tile Backer; ProRoc Gypsum Board; and ProRoc Moisture and Mold Resistant Gypsum Board with M2Tech. Providing Autodesk Revit users with access to manufacturer-specific systems in context makes it easier for design professionals to streamline project specification and workflow.

Applied Software Joins FM:Systems Business Partner Program

Applied Software, which provides BIM solutions, earlier this month announced that it has joined the FM:Systems Business Partner Program. FM:Systems is a player in the integrated workplace management systems and computer-aided facility management software market.

Applied Software partnered with FM:Systems in order to provide building owners and operators with full lifecycle building solutions, from building concept through design and construction to building management. FM:Systems provides a link between the design and construction community and operations. Applied Software selected FM:Systems due to its configurability, ease of use, and integration with Autodesk products. 

Lennox Announces Availability of BIM Objects for Energence, Landmark Rooftop Product Lines

Lennox Industries Inc. recently announced the availability of BIM objects for the Energence and Landmark rooftop product lines.  "Designers can now easily integrate Energence and Landmark rooftop units from us into their digital plans using BIM objects downloaded from www.LennoxCommercial.com," according to the company.

The 3D REVIT models include complete product parameters and unit performance information on three- to 50-ton Energence rooftop units and two- to 25-ton Landmark rooftop units. The Revit families also provide cooling and heating capacities, electrical loads, and the size and location of electrical, gas, duct, and condensate connections.