Goetting and Associates uses an integrated system of Autodesk Revit 2009, AutoCAD MEP 2009, AutoDesk NavisWorks, and our own Building Information Management system to develop a complete Building Information Modeling (BIM) system. This system parametrically builds a model which represents the building as an integrated database of coordinated information created from consistent, reliable design information – enabling faster decision-making, better documentation, and the ability to evaluate sustainable building and infrastructure design alternatives.

The BIM system creates a three-dimensional prototype of the building, in terms of building floors, spaces, walls, doors, windows and a wide array of information associated with each of these elements using “intelligent” engineering objects. Information in the building models is dynamically linked, so a revision made to any building object is automatically revised in all drawing files. The result is faster exchange of data, increased productivity, and better coordination among engineers and architects. One of the challenges facing BIM is that it must call together all of the various engineering disciplines into a single model for coordinating systems and managing conflicts, without limiting the engineer in his choice of analysis tools. Using Autodesk’s NavisWorks, the BIM model can be viewed in a single 3D geometric model where “walkthroughs” can be simulated, systems can be coordinated and conflicts can be managed and resolved. Additionally, 3-D DWF files can be created which can be opened by anyone and which are plottable, non-editable and extremely small in file size. They provide an easy to navigate (zoom and pan) file which allows electronic mark-up for easy collaboration, as well as viewing in 3-D.

BIM is a data rich digital representation cataloging the physical and functional characteristics of design and construction. It can serve as a shared knowledge base that can be directly manipulated and computable. Its importance stems from having an open interchange of information across platforms and a transferable record of building information throughout the design lifecycle and that can be incorporated into a facilities database at a later date. BIM provides a platform for automated analyses that can assist in planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance activities. Our robust model includes information that can be used by other building analysis applications, such as cost estimating, energy simulation, daylighting, and building code checking.

Goetting & Associates experience with BIM dates back to the late 1980’s when we developed our own Building Information Management system to allow us to produce the 1,400,000 sf Brooke Army Medical Center and furnish intelligent drawings before it became popular. Our BIM system greatly enhances and extends the value of Autodesk Revit MEP and AutoCAD MEP. From interactively creating schedules, to all out building HVAC, electrical, and plumbing analysis, our approach to healthcare design has always followed the BIM concept that benefits from parametericed data relationships.

Goetting & Associates has tested Autodesk’s BIM products, and provided Autodesk with feedback, including rigorously testing and error checking calculations and data transfer methods. Through this process, Goetting has become knowledgeable of both the strengths and weaknesses of the current BIM software offerings, and assisted in making recommendations to improve the products. Our in-house engineers and software developers have developed many routines that have enhanced the product line offerings from Autodesk and help facilitate coordination between disciplines. In so doing, we create a building model that is more intelligent and able to produce extended calculations, such as medical gas, and duct acoustic calculations. Our Electrical engineering software models everything from the service transformer right down to the branch circuit conduits, for a completely integrated and connected model. The benefits are seen when changes are made: when a light fixture is changed, the resulting load is changed in the electrical panels and in the HVAC system are propagated. Our BIM system is specialized towards healthcare. For instance, in our Medical Gas Modeling and Analysis process, we provide calculations that are out of the mainstream focus of AutoCAD MEP, or Autodesk Revit MEP, but very much needed in healthcare design.

Incorporated into our design process, is the use of EnergyPlus version 2.2. EnergyPlus is an energy analysis program which is 3-D from its inception. EnergyPlus offers the engineer the ability to create a highly configurable model, where the building is analyzed by the latest Department of Energy approved calculation methods. This was used on the 275,000 sf Medical Education Training Center at Fort Sam Houston, where we used the architect’s Revit model as the foundation for our analysis, and using custom software written to work within Autodesk Revit MEP, we extended the analysis capabilities to derive an EnergyPlus model.