Project-hungry Construction Firms Use New Macro BIM Technology to Stand Out in a Crowded Field

Contractors are using macro BIM to quickly build 3D conceptual models with detailed estimates.

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Garry Myers has 30 years experience as an estimator for major construction projects. At the start of his career he hand-sketched projects and totaled the costs of individual components using a calculator and pads of grid paper.

These days, Myers is more likely to create a 3D conceptual model for a proposed project, "built" on the virtual site using Google Earth(TM), and produce a real-time detailed cost estimate for the owner, sometimes in as little as a day, even for a major - $50M or more - project.

A senior estimator for ENR Top 400 contractor Clark Construction Company, based in Lansing, Michigan, Myers relies on a type of building information modeling (BIM) software, known as "macro BIM," to quickly build the 3D conceptual models with detailed estimates that make Clark stand out from competing firms.

It's an approach that works. With fewer projects being built, the numbers of competitive bids owners get on a project are typically three to four times what they were before the real estate market came to a standstill. Clark is weathering the industry downturn because it's still winning large projects.

Real estate owners agree that investing in technology that adds value to the building process by speeding schedules, decreasing costs or being more accurate separates firms from the pack. In a May 2011 interview in Healthcare Building Ideas magazine, Sidney J. Sanders, senior vice president, construction, facilities design, and real estate, The Methodist Hospital System, Houston, Texas, says that a lack of competence in 3-D modeling and design limits the pool of firms qualified to perform projects for the hospital system. It's even worse for subcontractors.

"It's tough enough to find architects and engineers who have the appropriate level of competence in 3-D conceptualizing and pre-construction processes, but it is even more difficult with subs and manufacturers. A lot of high-quality subcontractors do not have the in-house capability to operate in this way. You have to be very careful in whom you select for the team," Sanders comments, referring to the design assisted integrated project delivery (IPD) method, used to construct a new hospital in Houston.

A preconstruction expert in 3-D conceptualizing and estimating, Garry Myers will share some of his project successes using macro BIM software DProfiler(TM), developed by Dallas-based Beck Technology Ltd., in a live webinar, held on Thursday, June 23, at 10am CDT. The webinar is free, but registration is required. All recording of the webinar will be sent to all registrants. Follow the link to register: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/167426043.

About Beck Technology

Beck Technology is a leader in building information modeling (BIM) research, development, consulting, and related services serving architects, engineers, contractors, and owners worldwide. Beck Technology's flagship software, called DProfiler(TM), is changing early building planning by enabling highly accurate conceptual estimating through integrating 3D modeling and real-time cost data. DProfiler(TM) facilitates collaboration, evaluation of more project alternatives, and better clarification of scope before moving into design development. For more information on Beck Technology's products and services visit: www.beck-technology.com.

Beck Technology Andy O'Nan, 214-303-6254 [email protected]

Source: Beck Technology

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