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Performance BIM

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The BIM Engineers
08 June 2023

Performance BIM is a type of BIM that includes detailed information about the building's performance, such as energy consumption, acoustics, and indoor air quality. This information is typically included in a Level 3 BIM model, which is a highly detailed and accurate digital representation of the building or infrastructure project.

To create a Performance BIM model, designers and engineers typically use specialized software and tools to input data about the building's design and construction, as well as information about its intended use and the local climate. This information is then used to generate a digital model of the building, which can be used to simulate its performance under different conditions.

For example, a Performance BIM model can be used to simulate the building's energy consumption and to evaluate the effectiveness of different insulation materials and HVAC systems. This can help to identify opportunities to improve the building's energy efficiency, and to evaluate the potential impact of different design decisions on the building's overall performance.

Overall, Performance BIM involves the creation of a digital model of the building or infrastructure project that includes detailed information about its performance, and the use of that model to simulate and evaluate the building's performance under different conditions.


Types of performance BIM

To create a Performance BIM model, you will need specialized software that is specifically designed for building performance analysis. Some of the most common types of software used for Performance BIM include:

  • Energy modeling software: This type of software is used to simulate the building's energy consumption and to evaluate the effectiveness of different design options, such as insulation materials and HVAC systems, in reducing energy use and improving energy efficiency.
  • Acoustic modeling software: This type of software is used to simulate the building's acoustics and to evaluate the impact of different design decisions, such as wall materials and window placement, on the building's sound insulation and reverberation time.
  • Lighting analysis software: This type of software is used to simulate the building's lighting levels and to evaluate the impact of different lighting design options, such as fixtures and controls, on the building's energy consumption and visual comfort.
  • Indoor air quality analysis software: This type of software is used to simulate the building's indoor air quality and to evaluate the impact of different design decisions, such as ventilation rates and air filtration systems, on the building's air quality and occupant health.

Overall, the specific software that is needed for Performance BIM will depend on the specific performance metrics that are being evaluated, and the capabilities and preferences of the project team.

Energy modeling software BIM

Energy modeling software is a type of software that is used in the field of building performance analysis to simulate the energy consumption of a building or infrastructure project. This type of software is often used in conjunction with BIM (Building Information Modeling) to create a digital model of the building that includes detailed information about its design, construction, and intended use.

To use energy modeling software, designers and engineers typically input data about the building's design and construction, as well as information about its intended use and the local climate. This information is then used by the software to generate a simulation of the building's energy consumption, which can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of different design options in reducing energy use and improving energy efficiency.

For example, energy modeling software can be used to evaluate the impact of different insulation materials and HVAC systems on the building's energy consumption, and to identify opportunities to reduce energy use and improve the building's energy performance. This can help to support the development of more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.

Overall, energy modeling software is a valuable tool for building performance analysis, and is often used in conjunction with BIM to support the design and construction of more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.

There are several different types of BIM software that can be used for energy modeling, including both standalone energy modeling software and integrated BIM software that includes energy modeling capabilities. Some of the most common types of BIM software for energy modeling include:

  • eQuest
  • EnergyPlus
  • IES Virtual Environment
  • TRACE 700
  • DesignBuilder
  • ArchiWIZARD

These software tools are typically used by designers and engineers to input data about the building's design and construction, as well as information about its intended use and the local climate. The software then uses this data to generate a simulation of the building's energy consumption, which can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of different design options in reducing energy use and improving energy efficiency.


Acoustic modeling software BIM

Acoustic modeling software is a type of software that is used in the field of building performance analysis to simulate the acoustics of a building or infrastructure project. This type of software is often used in conjunction with BIM (Building Information Modeling) to create a digital model of the building that includes detailed information about its design, construction, and intended use.

To use acoustic modeling software, designers and engineers typically input data about the building's design and construction, as well as information about its intended use and the local climate. This information is then used by the software to generate a simulation of the building's acoustics, which can be used to evaluate the impact of different design decisions on the building's sound insulation and reverberation time.

For example, acoustic modeling software can be used to evaluate the impact of different wall materials and window placement on the building's sound insulation, and to identify opportunities to improve the building's acoustics. This can help to support the design of buildings that are more comfortable and pleasant for occupants, and that support better communication and productivity.

Overall, acoustic modeling software is a valuable tool for building performance analysis, and is often used in conjunction with BIM to support the design and construction of buildings that have excellent acoustics.

There are several different types of BIM software that can be used for acoustic modeling, including both standalone acoustic modeling software and integrated BIM software that includes acoustic modeling capabilities. Some of the most common types of BIM software for acoustic modeling include:

  • Odeon
  • CATT-Acoustic
  • Room Acoustics Analysis System
  • SoundPlan
  • Acoustic Analysis System

These software tools are typically used by designers and engineers to input data about the building's design and construction, as well as information about its intended use and the local climate. The software then uses this data to generate a simulation of the building's acoustics, which can be used to evaluate the impact of different design decisions on the building's sound insulation and reverberation time.

Lighting analysis software BIM

Lighting analysis software is a type of software that is used in the field of building performance analysis to simulate the lighting levels in a building or infrastructure project. This type of software is often used in conjunction with BIM (Building Information Modeling) to create a digital model of the building that includes detailed information about its design, construction, and intended use.

To use lighting analysis software, designers and engineers typically input data about the building's design and construction, as well as information about its intended use and the local climate. This information is then used by the software to generate a simulation of the building's lighting levels, which can be used to evaluate the impact of different design decisions on the building's energy consumption and visual comfort.

For example, lighting analysis software can be used to evaluate the impact of different lighting fixtures and controls on the building's energy consumption, and to identify opportunities to reduce energy use and improve the building's lighting performance. This can help to support the design of buildings that are more energy-efficient and comfortable for occupants.

Overall, lighting analysis software is a valuable tool for building performance analysis, and is often used in conjunction with BIM to support the design and construction of buildings that have excellent lighting performance.

There are several BIM (Building Information Modeling) software programs that offer lighting modeling capabilities. Some popular options include Autodesk Revit, Bentley Systems' MicroStation, and Trimble's SketchUp. These software programs allow you to create detailed 3D models of buildings and their systems, including lighting, and can be used to simulate and analyze lighting scenarios to help you design efficient and effective lighting systems.

Indoor air quality analysis software BIM

Indoor air quality analysis software is a type of software that is used in the field of building performance analysis to simulate the indoor air quality of a building or infrastructure project. This type of software is often used in conjunction with BIM (Building Information Modeling) to create a digital model of the building that includes detailed information about its design, construction, and intended use.

To use indoor air quality analysis software, designers and engineers typically input data about the building's design and construction, as well as information about its intended use and the local climate. This information is then used by the software to generate a simulation of the building's indoor air quality, which can be used to evaluate the impact of different design decisions on the building's air quality and occupant health.

For example, indoor air quality analysis software can be used to evaluate the impact of different ventilation rates and air filtration systems on the building's air quality, and to identify opportunities to improve the building's indoor air quality. This can help to support the design of buildings that are healthy and comfortable for occupants, and that support better productivity and well-being.

Overall, indoor air quality analysis software is a valuable tool for building performance analysis, and is often used in conjunction with BIM to support the design and construction of buildings that have excellent indoor air quality.

There are several different types of BIM software that can be used for indoor air quality analysis, including both standalone indoor air quality analysis software and integrated BIM software that includes indoor air quality analysis capabilities. Some of the most common types of BIM software for indoor air quality analysis include:

  • CONTAM
  • AirPak
  • CFD-ACE+
  • VENUS
  • BLAST

These software tools are typically used by designers and engineers to input data about the building's design and construction, as well as information about its intended use and the local climate. The software then uses this data to generate a simulation of the building's indoor air quality, which can be used to evaluate the impact of different design decisions on the building's air quality and occupant health.

Overall, there are many different types of BIM software available for indoor air quality analysis, and the specific software that is used will depend on the capabilities and preferences of the project team.

For more information, you can visit the BIM and Retrofitting: Leveraging BIM to Enhance Electrical System Upgrades blog post on The BIM Engineers website.