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Deconstructing Buzzwords Around BIM and VPL Technologies
Building information modeling (BIM) and visual programming (VPL) are transforming the construction world by giving construction professionals the ability to visualize their projects and provide more insight into the pre-construction process than ever before. Each new development in these technologies helps to eliminate errors in pre-construction and the building process, therefore increasing productivity and profitability. The only problem? BIM and VPL can be initially intimidating to use and require that companies invest in training.
In this episode, host Mike Merrill welcomes Marcello Sgambelluri to the podcast. He’s the Director of Advanced Technology at John A Martin & Associates, an internationally recognized structural engineering firm. Marcello explains the basics of BIM and VPL, clears up confusion over jargon and gives insight into the top buzzwords for contractors. He also shares how to stay on top of technology going forward so new developments become opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- BIM is the backbone of Architecture, engineering and Construction (AEC) technology. BIM isn’t just a digital blueprint with lines, arcs, circles, points, solids in software representing the project. BIM is full of smart components that have rich, important data behind it that drives our job sites. This technology continues to grow and adapt. With BIM being the backbone of the technology branch of AEC, all other technologies on the job site complement and integrate BIM information.
- BIM and VPL technologies are fully integrated into construction culture. BIM began seeping into AEC company cultures over the last decade and is now synonymous with the AEC industry. With BIM being a requirement to succeed today, using new developments like digital twins, computational design and real-time rendering are what separates those that are surviving and those that are thriving.
- Reevaluate the technology you have for new uses. Being able to stay on top of the new technology that is coming out requires that you dig into the tech that you do have and look for new ways to use it. This aligns your mind with those looking to create new technologies to simplify and automate processes. This alignment makes keeping up with technology as it develops natural and exciting.
