The drafting and modeling department at BHW works with construction teams using current, industry-standard BIM modeling and coordination software.
BHW uses Autodesk Revit and Autodesk AutoCAD with Fabrication CADmep and Fabrication CAMduct software to produce models used in BIM coordination. Navisworks Manage and the Trimble Field Link software are used to keep up in today’s changing construction environment.
Autodesk Revit allows us to use the entire building model produced by the design team. By using the engineer’s mechanical 3D Revit model, we can better understand the design intent that is not always clear on .pdf files or other traditional formats.
Fabrication CADmep translates the Revit model used to design the solution into a fabrication-ready model, automatically sent to our shop for production. The production model uses fittings that comply with SMACNA standards and specification tables based on SMACNA construction methods. Connectors, seams, metal gauges, liner, and reinforcement are all assigned to each piece of duct in the design model. This information is transferred to the CAMduct program, which produces a CNC file, gum labels, and paperwork, for accurate and efficient fabrication in our on-site shop.
By including the necessary hangers, duct insulation, and access spaces in our model, we are able to produce a complete duct model for accurate coordination.
After the coordination is complete, we extract the hanger points from the model and transfer the data into Trimble Field Link. This ensures the new ductwork is installed exactly as shown in the model by our field employees.
During the installation process, updated drawings and models are delivered to our field employees automatically via our corporate private cloud. Necessary changes are delivered quickly and automatically to tablets and PCs used by our on-site crews.