BIMing Construction Engineering Curricula

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been used by various construction engineering (ConE) programs to fulfill the Body of Knowledge (BOK) requirements, such as cost estimating, construction scheduling and control, project administration, and contract documents. Currently a number of BIM software packages are available to ConE educators. However, guidance to select an appropriate BIM software and an understanding of how this software can be used to instruct aforementioned requirements are minimal to nonexistent. This paper seeks to address these challenges by developing a BIM model using Autodesk Revit. Then 4D simulations and clash detection are performed. How to conduct cost estimating, the 5th dimension of the BIM model, is recommended. This paper outlines strengths and limitations of software packages used in this study, and presents a suggested work flow for a future BIM course. By providing a template to integrate BIM into an existing course or implement a standalone BIM course within construction engineering curricula, this paper should have great potential to directly benefit ConE educators throughout the country.