For many years, the architecture, engineering, and construction industries have relied on building information modeling, or BIM, to design and engineer buildings and infrastructure projects. Because of its benefits, BIM adoption is growing rapidly for plant projects as well. In and of itself, BIM is not a tool or a software solution. It’s best to think of BIM as a better way of managing project information in a shared repository where the same set of plans and designs can be prepared, viewed, updated, modeled, and finalized by any and all project stakeholders simultaneously. BIM starts with the creation of intelligent 3D models using tools like Autodesk’s AutoCAD for Plant 3D and Revit that integrate with plans and designs from many AEC and plant design disciplines and software. Image courtesy of Galliford Try Costain Atkins These models serve as the focal point around which document management, design collaboration, and coordination come together in a single place throughout the project’s life cycle — from design through construction and operations. From urbanization to increased regulatory pressures, plant designers are being challenged to deliver better and safer facilities on time and on budget. This paper highlights how they can use BIM to navigate this highly complex, multi-disciplinary environment in a way that saves time and money, leading to better outcomes for everyone involved.

https://damassets.autodesk.net/content/dam/autodesk/www/pdfs/bim-for-plant-ebook-final.pdf