CAD DRAFTING FRESNO CA

BIM - BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING - BIM

BIM is short for Building Information Modeling and while there are endless definitions out there about what it should be the fundamentals are broken down as follows: 

Building: The construction process or a structure that is built, being built or being designed. Information: A form of communication, a set of instructions, a set of components, a database. Modeling: Graphical representation of a specific object or objects. 

Definitions:

Software. Parametric three dimensional (3D) computer program operating within a computer to perform specific task based on a database that outputs a report.

Database. A collection of structured information, or data, stored within a program or computer system

Output. Processed information within a computer and presented to the end user via a monitor or printer

Report(s). A complete written diagrammatic description from a set of information or database in digital and printed form.

- How do we use it for residential projects? Efficient drafting? Accurate construction documents? Accurate Equipment fitting? Accurate Mechanical? (HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Sprinklers, Electrical) Accurate material quantities? - 

What do we want BIM to report? 

The database can be as simple or as complex as needed, it all depends on how much of the reporting is expected to be used by the team members. The more detailed the data entry is the more robust and complete the report will be.

Initial database

The Design team provides much of the initial database: Concept, Envelope, Structure, Components, Assemblies, Equipment, Materials, Finishes, etc.

    The Drafting teams produce the preliminary report; changes are made by the Design team and the initial database is created.

Progress database 1

The database moves to Design Development, the design team reviews the reports produced by the database and comments accordingly, the database is updated.

    The database moves to Structure Design and it is reviewed by the consultant team, updates are made to the database and a report is produced

Initial Report(s) A - Construction Documents Alpha

The report moves back to the Design team for approval (minor updates are expected).

The database moves to Construction Documentation, consultants work with the reports, and prepare their designs, provide feedback, and add components, equipment and materials. 

Progress database 2

The database is updated to reflect changes and add-ons by consultants and a new report is created

       The drafting team completes the construction documents and produces progress reports for internal use and review.

Progress Report(s) B - Construction Documents Beta

The report is used by the design team, reviewed for completeness, it is also time for minor changes. 

    The drafting team updates the report and database based on feedback received.

Progress database 3

The database is returned to the Consultants and gets updated to reflect the changes and add-ons made to report B by the design team. The reports are updated and approved to move forward.

Progress Report(s) C - Construction Documents ready for Submittal.

Plans move to permitting. Plan checkers review the plans. Plan checkers make comments

Progress database 4

The database is updated to reflect the comments from plan check if any pertain. The reports are updated in form of plans or construction documents, in an interoperability format that can be shared and used by all parties. 

Final Report(s) or Construction Documents and Specifications sets.

Plan check approves plans or construction documents.

Beneficiaries: The team members that will utilize the Report(s) during the entire process. Stake Holders, Purchasing, Consultants, Jurisdictions, Contractors and Sub contractors, Job Supervisors, Marketing, Sales.

Conclusion: 

BIM: A three dimensional graphical database at the component, material, finish, man-hour and cost level of a proposed structure from which a building team can obtain all the necessary information to completely build such structure without having to rely on multiple applications and it will remain through the project life cycle and post construction for warranty and maintenance.

Use the Contact Us link on our website for information. www.motmots.net - Contact Us

 

CAD DRAFTING FRESNO CA 

Understanding the 2022 California Code Changes and its impact on new and existing dwellings.

    Every three years the California Building Codes get updated and bring additional life and safety regulations as well as simplified language, better coordination with other codes plus other small clerical edits.

   The 2022 Building Codes take effect on January 1st, 2023 which means that any construction applications for new, additions, alterations submitted on or after that date will be subject to comply and meet the minimum requirements of the new codes.

A lot of hype goes on during the preceding months to try to not only learn what has changed but mostly, to understand how these changes will impact existing and future builds. The internet of things is filled with information about what is coming however, it is always wise to wait until the final approved versions of the Codes are released (many times within a month or so in advance of the actual release dates).

 Once the Codes are out, it is time to burn some eyebrows and find those changes, care should be taken especially with subtle changes in the way a section has been reworded to understand what the new intent is.

   What to look for? Each Code has a explanatory legend often called "Marginal Markings", these are symbols placed to the left of the paragraph to let the user know that a change or deletion has been made, relocations are also noted in this page; another important item to look for on all codes are the definitions, many times more are added or changed; lastly some codes in addition to the marginal markings, highlight the changes so it is easier to find them.

Well, enough of the introductions, let's find out what has changed that will impact your new and existing construction!

The biggest change that we see is the incremental removal of gas appliances, in this cycle the California Energy Commission is pushing all new construction to "Electric Ready" where the first offender on the list seems to be the gas water heater. Most Energy calculations for single family, duplexes and townhomes will have a tough time passing without an electric heat pump water heater. In other cases we have seen the use of an HRV/ERV to get some of these buildings to pass. Having said that, any gas appliance within the building will have to be set up for a future electric appliance replacement in case a homeowner wants to remove the gas appliance. We call it "Plug and Play" since the electric readiness will include all necessary infrastructure to easily remove and replace appliances.

For existing buildings (homes) the codes come into play when there's a room addition or a significant change to the existing building. In most cases it will only apply to the new portion of the building being proposed and not necessarily to the existing one. Changes such as higher insulation resistance values, and or air conditioning verifications when ducts are added or extended to supply the proposed construction. 

We are happy to help with your projects, new or remodels. Thank you for visiting!

Use the Contact Us link on our website for information. www.motmots.net - Contact Us