BIM-M announces open call for proposals for REVIT modeling of masonry

Words: David Biggs
The Building Information Modeling for Masonry Initiative (BIM-M) invites Consultants (architects, engineers, contractors, BIM specialists, etc.) to submit a proposal for either or both Project 1 or Project 2. Each project involves the creation of models and details of masonry buildings using Autodesk Revit 2014. BIM-M expects to award either or both of Projects 1 and 2 with cost as a major consideration.

This modeling project will be included in an overall plan to develop a Masonry Best Practices Guide (Guide) for design professionals. The Consultants’ work will include both creative modeling efforts and input into the Guide. BIM-M’s goal is that the guide will provide instruction on how to use BIM with masonry to its greatest and best use for modeling today, and point the way towards improvements to the underlying software, so that evolving BIM software will become more capable of representing masonry design and construction.

The Guide is intended to provide the design profession with detailed instructions and small explanatory BIM models that demonstrate how to use Revit to create models that depict masonry in typically used scenarios. We recognize that Revit and other BIM authoring tools are not fully developed for use with masonry, and often “workaarounds” are required for the BIM model to depict masonry properly in models, elevations and sections. In addition, we are aware that many design practices use BIM to represent masonry only at the most elemental level, and transmit the more detailed information about masonry construction in conventional 2D drawings that are not generated through or tied to BIM. However, we expect that the Guide will contain directions to the profession as to these situations and to how the models might be applied.

It is tradition in design practice to submit design documents with increasing levels of detail at the schematic design, design development and contract document stages of the project. The BIM models at each of the stages might be expected to contain more detailed information at the later stages of the project. The contract deliverable BIM models for this project should be delivered according to a typical BIM execution plan so that the owner and contractors can have downstream uses of the BIM model during building procurement, construction planning, fabrication, installation and operational phases of the building. The terms “level of detail” and “level of development” or LOD are being used in BIM parlance to identify the use of the model and the rationale for including certain details. The Consultants will work with the Project Manager, Georgia Tech’s Digital Building Laboratory, and the TMS BIM Committee to illustrate BIM models suitable to different phases of a project. The Project Manager will also direct the review efforts of the TMS BIM Committee.

Visit https://masoncontractors.com/Default?pageID=36926 for more information.
Building Solutions: The Critical Role of Cavity Space in Masonry Moisture Control
April 2026

Long before “rainscreen” became a popular term in building science, masonry cavity walls were functioning on that very principle. A brick veneer cavity wall is designed with the expectation that water will penetrate the exterior

A Legacy of Inspiration: Lynda Spina, CFO retires from STABILA North America
April 2026

After almost 30 years of dedicated service, Lynda Spina is retiring from her role as Chief Financial Officer of STABILA North America, closing an extraordinary chapter defined by steady leadership, financial discipline, and lasting impact.

Masonry in the Media: The Alamo, The Merchandise Mart, & More
April 2026

The scenery of films and TV shows alike is often a crucial yet underrated detail that can ultimately make or break a scene. In these American-made structures, take a look at how these movies and shows transformed iconic masonry buildings into the perfect

Announcing The Daily Digest From The MCAA
April 2026

Pay attention to your inbox starting Wednesday, April 8th. The MCAA is pleased to announce The Daily Digest, a selection of masonry news from around the world delivered right to you. “I receive daily emails from several news sou