Masonry Magazine June 2010 Page. 27
MASONRY COMPUTER ESTIMATING
Technology is improving by leaps and bounds, and it doesn't show signs, currently, of slowing down. Even though some resistance has been shown to BIM, it is proving to have valid use. Just as drafting boards and T-squares were replaced by CPUs, monitors, keyboards digitizers and drafting software, the latter is being replaced by even more advanced software that benefits the complete design-build team, including the product manufacturers. The construction industry is being dazzled by the ability to make parametric changes that update prints, schedules and even photo-realistic renderings. BIM undoubtedly will be a great benefit to construction, and masonry has an excellent opportunity to take advantage of what likely will become the norm, or even the standard.
The biggest roadblock will be convincing everyone to get on board. Most will encounter what I feel are common questions asked about BIM, "Do we really need to do this?" and "Is this just a gimmick?"
The answer is "Yes, and no." Masonry, as with many other products, must be involved or be left behind. As for being a gimmick, it is conceivable that BIM can save the masonry industry time and money, benefits that other construction products are already realizing. This is why Endicott Clay Products Co. is pushing forward to provide information models.
The information BIM can provide is vast. As a part of a brick manufacturing team, I find it imperative to provide all information possible on our product. I have conducted research on what is needed for the models provided, and I always come to the same conclusion: There is no cut-and-dried standard on what should be included. Thus, I provide everything I can, and then I listen. I listen to the architects, specifiers, general contractors and even the owners to decide what additional information should be. As a part of a brick manufacturing team, I find it imperative to provide all information possible on our product.
MASONRY COMPUTER ESTIMATING
# Masonry Computer Estimating
# That Does It All... in 3D!
by TRADESMEN'S SOFTWARE
# On-Screen 3D Take-Off
Just point and click on the digital blueprint and see your walls displayed. Our new On-Screen 3D Take-Off Engine makes it simple and fast.
Runs on Windows PCs and Bootcamp/Windows on Intel Macs.
30 day money back guarantee
Support available 7 days a week.
Comes with more than 400 items in material database.
See the actual building being displayed in 30 as you do your take-off in either PLAN mode, PERSPECTIVE mode, OUTSIDE mode, INSIDE mode or at any ELEVATION.
Complete your take-off, then walk through or around and see the actual finished building(s).
Calculates CMU: HALF and FULL BULLNOSE, DOUBLE BULLNOSE, CHAMFER, or SASH for any or all OPENINGS, JAMBS, CORNERS, CONTROL JOINTS and any SPECIAL CUTS
Integrate with Accounting Software and transfer data to Microsoft Exce
Negotiating projects with a 3D image will win you more contracts and enhance your professional image
TRADESMEN'S SOFTWARE, Inc.
# 1-800-494-4899
See for yourself at:
www.tradesmens.com
READER SERVICE #163
June 2010
MASONRY 25