BIM for Masonry Initiative holds roundtable meetings

Words: David BiggsThe National Building Information Modeling for Masonry Initiative (BIM-M) was organized in 2012 and is working to identify barriers to and strategies for the full implementation of masonry materials and systems into building information modeling (BIM) software for the design and construction industries. BIM and digital technology are poised to revolutionize the design and construction industries and this initiative is the opening effort to include masonry construction.

On September 4-6, 2012, Georgia Institute of Technology's Digital Building Laboratory hosted architects, engineers, contractors, construction managers, material suppliers, software developers, masonry experts, and corporate executives from across the United States in roundtable discussions on implementing BIM into masonry design and construction practices. Over 45 attendees from five working groups assembled to develop criteria in the areas of architectural design with masonry, engineering analysis, construction procurement and scheduling, and construction coordination. The goal of the initiative is for Georgia Tech under the direction of BIM pioneer, Professor Chuck Eastman, to develop a BIM roadmap for the masonry industry early in 2013. The roadmap will establish detailed requirements for the use of BIM and pave the way for future developments by software developers.

The BIM-M initiative is sponsored by the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC), the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the International Masonry Institute (IMI), the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), the Western States Clay Products Association (WSCPA) and The Masonry Society (TMS) and is being overseen by the Digital Building Laboratory at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

For more information on the BIM-M initiative, contact Russell Gentry: russell.gentry@coa.gatech.edu or David Biggs: biggsconsulting@att.net.
About: Featured
 0
NSI and ISFA Announce Silica Exposure Literature Review

NSI and ISFA are proud to present a literature review that summarizes the growing library of studies related to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure. Completed by Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the study covers 34 publications and d

By: Amy Oakley
Read More
La Maison Franchère: How Masonry Turns Functional Buildings Into Timeless Beauty

La Maison Franchère, or the Franchers’ House, stands as a notable relic of stone architecture in Saint-Mathies, a small Quebec town on the edge of the Richelieu River. Unlike the neighboring homes, this towering, two-and-a-half-story mansion immediately c

By: Vera Autushka
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 5 Recap: Zach Everett

Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Masonry Strong podcast! Today, we have a very special guest, Zach Everett, sharing his journey and experiences in the world of safety within the masonry industry. From humble beginnings to becoming a vital

By: Justin Stengel
About: Featured
Read More
What Is Crisis Management?

Crisis management is a process that employers use to respond to, and recover from, unplanned events. The best time to develop a crisis management plan is before a crisis occurs. A crisis management plan can help companies maintain business continuity, pro

By: Michael Rosser
About: Featured
Read More